Farmers and herders in Bokkos and Riyom local government areas of Plateau State have signed 25 peace agreements to halt years of deadly clashes.
The accords involve six rural communities, including Sha, Bum and Sopp, where recurring violence has resulted in deaths and widespread destruction.
Community representatives, both men and women, endorsed the agreements after months of dialogue and reconciliation meetings.
The process was facilitated by the Institute for Integrated Transitions as part of efforts to rebuild trust in conflict-affected areas.
Organisers said the engagements focused on strengthening social cohesion and addressing long-standing grievances fueling the crisis.
A senior district head in Bokkos, Lazaros David, described the initiative as timely given the persistent insecurity.
He said sustained consultations helped bring opposing sides together at the grassroots level.
According to him, facilitators worked closely with residents to identify shared concerns and practical solutions.
David expressed optimism that the agreements would not remain on paper but would be actively implemented.
He said traditional and religious institutions would play key roles in reinforcing the commitments.
Community leaders plan to use churches, mosques and local gatherings to promote compliance and dialogue.
Another participant, Chiroma Haruna Idris, said the talks created space for mutual understanding.
He noted that participants gained deeper insight into each other’s challenges during the sessions.
Idris expressed confidence that the accords would reduce tensions between farming and herding populations.
He added that the agreements provide structured mechanisms for resolving disputes peacefully.
Plateau State has witnessed repeated farmer-herder conflicts, often triggered by disputes over land and grazing routes.
Observers say the success of the newly signed pacts will depend on sustained engagement and community monitoring.
Stakeholders hope the agreements will mark a turning point in efforts to end violence in the affected areas.
