A non-governmental organisation, The Media Disability Care Initiative, has inaugurated a sensitisation campaign targeting traditional institutions in Yobe State over the persistent farmer-herder conflicts in the region.

Led by its Executive Director, Rajab Ismael, the MEDCI delegation on Sunday visited the palaces of the Emirs of Fika, Bade, and Jajere to engage them on peacebuilding strategies.

Speaking at the palace of the Emir of Fika, Muhammadu Idrissa, Mr Ismael said the campaign aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of the recurring clashes and to foster collaboration for sustainable peace.

“We came to sensitise the traditional institution to the dangers of this conflict and to explore collaborative pathways for peace,” Mr Ismael said.

He emphasised the devastating impact of the conflicts on lives, property, economic activities, and social harmony, and stressed the critical role traditional rulers play in conflict mediation.

In his response, the Emir of Fika commended MEDCI for its proactive initiative and pledged the support of the Emirate Council in promoting peace and dialogue between farmers and herders.

At the palace of the Emir of Bade, Abubakar Sulaiman, outlined ongoing measures to curb the conflict, including a ban on grazing after 6 p.m., a prohibition on children herding livestock, and restrictions on farming along migration routes.

He showed that the emirate had established special patrol teams to monitor farms and lauded government efforts in providing grazing reserves with basic infrastructure.

However, he called for additional support, particularly in the provision of water points and animal feed.

The emirs emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among traditional institutions, government bodies, security agencies, and civil society organisations to find lasting solutions to the crisis.

Yobe State, like many parts of the North-East and Middle Belt, continues to grapple with recurring tensions between farmers and herders—driven by competition over dwindling resources, climate change, and rising insecurity.

(NAN)