The Jigawa State government has resolved a 47-year-old farmland dispute between the Jobi community in Nigeria and the Kyalli community in the Republic of Niger, ending a conflict that reportedly claimed more than 1,000 lives and disrupted farming activities for decades.
Governor Umar Namadi announced the resolution while presenting alternative farmland to farmers affected by the settlement.
The dispute, which began in 1979 over the ownership of farmland along the Nigeria-Niger border, had strained relations between the neighbouring communities and repeatedly led to violent clashes.
As part of the peace agreement, the state government allocated alternative farmland to 74 affected farmers who decided to relocate from Kyalli in the Republic of Niger to Jobi in Jigawa State. It also provided additional farmland for another 30 farmers.
The government further approved the conversion of part of the Dan Maka Forest Reserve into farmland to compensate those affected by the settlement.
Describing the resolution as a significant milestone, Governor Namadi stressed the importance of maintaining peaceful relations between the two communities.
“This dispute has lasted for 47 years. We thank Almighty Allah for allowing us to witness its peaceful resolution. We also appreciate the National Boundary Commission and everyone who worked tirelessly to bring lasting peace to these communities,” the governor said.
He noted that peace and good neighbourliness were essential because the people of both communities share family ties, culture, religion and a long history of coexistence.
Governor Namadi added that Nigerian farmers who had previously cultivated land in the Republic of Niger had now been relocated to farmland within Nigeria, where more than 100 plots had been allocated to support their livelihoods.
The peace process was coordinated by the Jigawa State Boundary Committee, led by Deputy Governor Aminu Usman, in collaboration with traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders and officials from both Nigeria and the Republic of Niger.
Representing the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Deputy Director of International Boundaries, Hajiya Yahanazu Aliyu, commended the Jigawa State Government for its commitment to resolving the dispute through dialogue.
“This agreement would strengthen border security, improve cooperation between neighbouring communities and promote socio-economic development along the international border,” she said.
Residents welcomed the development, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter.
The resolution brings to an end one of the longest-running border-related land disputes in the region and highlights the role of dialogue, community engagement and intergovernmental cooperation in promoting peace, food security and stability along Nigeria’s international borders.
Daily Post
Channels TV
Punch Nigeria
Vanguard Nigeria
Premium TImes
This Day