Minna Emirate Hosts Meeting to Address Vigilante-Fulani Clashes

By Awwal Umar Kontagora In response to recent violent clashes between vigilante groups and Fulani herders in Beji District of Bosso Local Go...

By Awwal Umar Kontagora

In response to recent violent clashes between vigilante groups and Fulani herders in Beji District of Bosso Local Government Area, the Minna Emirate has organized a high-level stakeholders' meeting aimed at restoring peace and preventing further conflict. The meeting, held in collaboration with relevant ministries, government agencies, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders, focused on resolving the disputes and setting new operational guidelines for vigilante groups.

Key government and community leaders, including the Honourable Commissioner for Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs, the Commissioner of Agriculture, Bosso Local Government Chairman, the Commissioner of Police, and both Fulani and Gbagyi traditional leaders, participated in the meeting. Islamic clerics, district and village heads, ward leaders, and other stakeholders were also present to provide their insights.

The discussions were centred on promoting peaceful coexistence and finding lasting solutions to the violence, which has claimed innocent lives. The Emirate facilitated an open dialogue, listening to various perspectives and identifying the root causes of the clashes.

Several key resolutions were agreed upon:

• Vigilante operations will be confined to their respective localities, with all members registered and their data recorded for accountability.
• Vigilante members will receive training to enhance their professionalism.
• The presence of vigilante groups in Beji market will be limited, and Fulani members will be incorporated into the vigilante units in each ward to ensure balanced representation.
• Traditional leaders from both Fulani and Gbagyi communities will meet regularly to address potential security threats and encourage dialogue.
• Farmer-herder disputes will be handled by traditional leaders and law enforcement, with vigilante groups instructed to abstain from involvement in these matters.
• Fulani herders will be banned from carrying weapons such as cutlasses in Beji market to prevent violence.

The meeting, chaired by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Minna, reflects the Emirate’s proactive approach to peacebuilding and its commitment to ensuring security and harmony in Niger State. The hope is that these resolutions will mark the start of a new era of cooperation and lasting peace in the region.