With the arrival of the rainy season, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) branch in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State has issued a plea for harmony between farmers and herders. The organization emphasized that mutual respect is vital to avoid conflict during the upcoming farming period.
Speaking through its coordinator, Pastor Zephaniah John, CAN urged both groups to steer clear of actions that could spark disputes as they utilize farmlands and grazing corridors. John stressed that peaceful coexistence is a prerequisite for survival in these agrarian communities, noting that farmers rely on peace to cultivate crops while herders need it to raise livestock. He condemned violence as detrimental to both occupations.
The group praised Governor Agbu Kefas for creating the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, calling it a forward-looking initiative to tackle insecurity and communal strife. CAN also lauded the appointment of local representatives to advisory and peacebuilding positions within the state framework.
CAN appealed directly to farmers to avoid blocking established grazing routes and water sources, advising them to channel complaints through traditional leaders, the Ardo, or security agencies rather than taking matters into their own hands. Herders were similarly urged to safeguard farmlands, abstain from night grazing, and provide compensation for any crop damage.
The association called on religious and community bodies such as CAN, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Miyetti Allah, and the All Farmers Association of Nigeria to amplify peace messages and reject inflammatory language. Security forces, especially Operation Whirl Stroke, were commended for their stability efforts, and CAN requested heightened patrols in high-risk areas like Jauro Bakari, Kunini, Doubeli Lavoro, and the Mayo-Lope corridor to thwart violence.
Finally, CAN urged the Taraba State Government and Lau Local Government to organize a peace dialogue between farmers and herders before peak farming activities, aiming to establish clearer guidelines for the season.