NEWS
ABIA STATE GOVT DEEPENS GRASSROOTS SECURITY AND AGRICULTURAL HARMONY WITH INAUGURATION OF FARMERS/HERDERS PEACE & CONFLICT RESOLUTION COMMITTEE IN ABA NORTH
The Abia State Government has moved to strengthen peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders at the grassroots as it formally inaugurated the Farmers/Herders Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee for Aba North Local Government Area.
The ceremony, held in Aba North Local Government Council Headquarters, marks a further step in the implementation of Governor Alex Otti’s directive to decentralize conflict prevention structures and bring dispute resolution closer to vulnerable rural communities.
Representing the Executive Chairman of Aba North, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke, the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Christian Chijioke Ogbuisi, commended the state leadership for extending the initiative beyond the state capital. He described the inauguration as timely and critical to protecting the economic and social wellbeing of Abians, especially farmers who are directly affected by herder activities.
He assured that Aba North would serve as a model of efficiency and discipline in handling the assignment, pledging the commitment of local security agencies, traditional institutions, and council authorities.
According to him, regular meetings, timely reports, and broad stakeholder collaboration will be prioritized to ensure the full success of the committee in the local government area.
Delivering his keynote address, the Permanent Secretary to the Secretary to the Abia State Government, Dr. Godwin Okezue, emphasized that the decision to replicate the committee at the grassroots originated from the May 14, 2025 resolution of the Abia State Security Council. He explained that while the committee already exists at the state level, the absence of a local structure would hinder its effectiveness, as conflicts between farmers and herders primarily occur in rural areas.
Dr. Okezue noted that herders in Abia are not exclusively from the northern parts of the country, pointing out that indigenes of the state have increasingly embraced cattle rearing and at times even invite northern herders to provide technical expertise. This, he said, makes it imperative to facilitate understanding, regulate grazing movements, and create platforms where disputes can be resolved peacefully.
He further stated that the committee is designed to serve as a conflict management mechanism that promotes dialogue, community participation, and sustainable peace, ultimately guaranteeing food security and economic stability.
The committee model inaugurated in Aba North is chaired by the Local Government Chairman/Mayor, with the Head of Service of the council serving as Secretary. Its membership includes heads of security agencies, traditional leaders, farmers’ associations, religious representatives, and leaders of the Hausa/Northern community, among others.
Dr. Okezue was accompanied by Mr. Onyenma Uchemadu, Secretary of the State Farmers/Herders Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee, alongside Chief Uzoma Nwogwugwu of the Board of Trustees, Abia State Farmers Cooperative Societies.
The inauguration reinforces Abia State’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, enhanced community security, and agricultural sustainability under the leadership of Governor Al
ex Chioma Otti, OFR.