Farmers and Herders Sign Peace Accord to End Deadly Clashes in Nigeria’s Capital

In a significant step toward ending longstanding tensions, farmers and herders in the Gurfata community of Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have signed a peace accord aimed at permanently halting violent clashes and fostering peaceful coexistence.

The accord, signed on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the Gwagwalada Area Council Secretariat, was led by community representatives Adamu Pada (for the farmers) and Ardo Madugu Galadima (for the herders).

The document, titled Peace Accord – Between Farmers and Herders of Gurfata Community, outlines commitments to promote mutual respect, dialogue, and cooperation between both groups.

Also in attendance were representatives of the Nigerian Army, Police, Civil Defence, and the Department of State Services, who added their signatures to signal broad institutional support for the agreement. The accord emphasizes the need to end violence, prevent future conflict, and promote food security and communal development.

Among its seven core articles, the agreement outlines a mutual commitment to nonviolence, respect for each other’s rights and customs, open communication, and peaceful dispute resolution through dialogue and mediation. Both sides agreed to adhere to a code of conduct that includes avoiding provocative behavior, respecting boundaries, and reporting issues through designated authorities.

A joint monitoring committee will be established to ensure the accord is implemented and maintained. The peace pact is also subject to regular review to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.

The accord comes just a week after a violent altercation between farmers and suspected herders led to the deaths of two individuals Dahiru Yakubu and Musa Yaestu, a local vigilante commander following an incident where cattle reportedly destroyed crops.

Civil society groups have welcomed the peace initiative, although concerns remain. The Everybody Must Serve Movement recently warned that ongoing attacks, especially in rural areas like Paiko, Ibwa, and Dobi, have left many residents displaced and living in fear. The group accused authorities of silence and inaction in the face of escalating violence and warned that Gwagwalada risks becoming another hotspot for mass displacement if urgent measures aren’t taken.

“The campaign of terror against indigenous communities must not be allowed to continue,” said Shammah Manasseh, who signed a statement on behalf of the group. “What we are witnessing is a national crisis cloaked in local silence and enabled by compromised leadership.”

As peace efforts continue, stakeholders are hopeful that this accord will pave the way for lasting harmony and stability in the region.