Farmers, Herders Sign Peace Accord After Deadly Clashes

Farmers and herders in the Gurfata community of the Gwagwalada Area Council, located in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have signed a peace accord to end ongoing clashes and promote lasting coexistence.

The peace agreement follows deadly violence in the area last week, which claimed at least two lives.

Diaspora Digital Media gathered that the accord, signed on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, aims to prevent further bloodshed and promote food security and mutual cooperation.

A document obtained by SaharaReporters confirmed that Adamu Pada, representing the farmers, and Ardo Madugu Galadima, for the herders, signed on behalf of their communities during a meeting at the Gwagwalada Area Council Secretariat.

Security Forces Witness Signing

High-ranking officers from key security agencies witnessed the signing, including representatives from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS).

These officials also signed the accord, underlining the seriousness of the agreement.

Notable signatories include:

Lt. Col. J.O. Ajongbo (176 Guards Battalion, Nigerian Army)

SP Billasu Shaibu (Nigerian Police Force)

CSC. S.E. Ayinla (NSCDC)

Mrs. Maduemezie Violet Ifeoma (civil society representative)

Details of the Peace Pact

The seven-article agreement is titled “Peace Accord – Between Farmers and Herders of Gurfata Community, Gwagwalada Area Council – FCT”. It outlines clear objectives:

Promote peaceful relations

Prevent future conflicts

Foster mutual understanding and trust

Encourage cooperation in community development

Both sides pledged to renounce violence, respect each other’s rights and customs, and resolve disputes through dialogue, mediation, or arbitration.

Monitoring and Implementation

To ensure the effectiveness of the accord, a joint monitoring committee will be established. This committee will:

Address emerging disputes

Promote community engagement

Educate the public on peaceful coexistence

The agreement allows for review and revision to remain relevant and effective.

Background: Deadly Clashes Spark Urgent Talks

The peace accord follows violent clashes in late July, during which two individuals  Dahiru Yakubu and Musa Yaestu, a local vigilante leader  were killed.

According to local reports, the violence erupted after cows entered a farm and destroyed crops.

A confrontation between farmers and a young herder escalated, leading to attacks and fatalities.

Civic Groups Warn of Escalating Insecurity

In response to the violence, the civic group Everybody Must Serve Movement issued a stern warning, decrying what it described as a “systematic campaign of terror” in Gwagwalada and other FCT rural communities.

In a statement signed by Shammah Manasseh, the group accused authorities of silence and failure to protect indigenous communities.

It warned that Gwagwalada could become another victim of mass violence if urgent action is not taken.

The statement cited similar tragedies in:

Agatu and Guma (Benue State)

Obi and Awe (Nasarawa State)

Nimbo (Enugu State)

Owo (Ondo State)

According to the group, local leaders have failed their communities by prioritizing personal interests over public safety.

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