Fintiri brokers peace as Fulani herders end Song Market boycott
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has brokered a peace agreement between Fulani herders and the management of Song Local Government Council following a dispute that prompted the herders to boycott Song Market.
The resolution followed a meeting convened by the governor at Government House, Yola, on Sunday, bringing together representatives of the herders, local government officials and traditional leaders.
The disagreement, involving the herders and the Chairman of Song Local Government Council, Idris Yahaya, had disrupted commercial activities at the market.
Addressing both parties, Fintiri urged them to put aside their differences and prioritise peaceful coexistence, warning that prolonged disagreements could undermine economic activities and development in the area.
“Return home and give peace a chance. Song belongs to all of you. You must live together, trade together and grow your economy together,” the governor said.
He stressed that peace remained essential to economic growth and urged the herders to resume trading at Song Market while maintaining cordial relations with other members of the community.
Fintiri also warned against acts of violence and lawlessness, insisting that his administration would not tolerate individuals taking the law into their own hands.
“Anyone who takes a human life will be dealt with without mercy. Government will not fold its arms and watch lawlessness,” he warned.
The governor called on both sides to respect the sanctity of human life and pursue dialogue whenever disagreements arose.
He assured participants that his administration would closely monitor developments in Song to ensure that the agreement was respected and lasting peace maintained.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Awwal Tukur; senior government officials from Song; representatives of the Adamawa State Peace Commission; and traditional leaders from the local government area.
Following the discussions, representatives of both parties agreed to set aside their differences, embrace peaceful coexistence and resume normal activities.
The agreement is expected to restore commercial activities at Song Market, where the boycott had disrupted trading between herders and other market participants.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, on Sunday.