Bauchi government releases white paper on farmers, herders clash

It will be recalled that communal clashes erupted between farmers and herders in Misau Local Government Area (LGA) few months ago, which led to the loss of lives and properties.

The white paper report of the administrative committee of inquiry set up by Governor Bala Mohammed indicted the Emir of Misau, Alh. Ahmed Suleiman for dereliction of duty.

Sequel to the findings of the committee, the state government called for the total revocation of all allocations, including farmlands that are self-acquired and the re-establishment of cattle routes in the reserve.

According to a statement issued by Mukhtar Gidado, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Governor Bala Mohammed, Saturday, the committee also recommended sanctions on the Zadawa village head while also requesting a handwritten apology to the government of Bauchi State.

“The committee’s investigation revealed that Malumje Grazing Reserve is a community grazing reserve and the allocation of parts of the forest reserve to farmers or self-acquisitions of the forest as farmlands are in contravention of the forestry law and laws of Bauchi State 2007. Government has accepted the committee’s recommendation for the total revocation of all the allocations including farmlands that are self-acquired and Government has consequently directed the re-establishment of cattle routes in the reserve.

“The committee observed that there are illegal allocations of farmlands to individuals on the gazetted Forest reserves of Maladumba, Danfisa/Bokki, Gambara/Tofu and Umala/Jarkasa forests, in clear violation of the laws establishing forest reserves. In line with the recommendation of the committee these allocations are here-by revoked by the Government,” the statement read.

The statement further reads, “Various administrative sanctions have been taken against some traditional institutions found to be culpable or complicit in the crisis. Government has accepted the recommendation of the committee to warn the Emir of Misau, Alh. Ahmed Suleiman, mni, for dereliction of duty which fuelled and escalated the fatal crisis in his domain. The Emir is to equally apologize to the Government in writing.

“Government has also accepted the recommendation of the committee on the District Head of Chiroma, Alhaji Ahmadun Amadu. The District Head remains suspended pending another investigation. Should he be found wanting, he will be removed and prosecuted.’’