In a strategic move to address the persistent farmer-herder conflicts in Taraba State, the U.S. Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN), in partnership with the African Resilient Initiative for Community & Sustainable Development (AfRICOSUD), has launched the Speak Peace Project in Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
The initiative aims to bolster early warning systems, promote inclusive dialogue, and empower local communities with tools for conflict prevention and resolution.
It is supported by members of the Peace Architecture Dialogue (PAD) and comes on the heels of a deadly attack on May 23, 2025, allegedly carried out by suspected armed herders, which claimed several lives and displaced many residents in the area.
Central to the Speak Peace Project is the training and inauguration of “Community Peace Watchers”, a grassroots network of local stakeholders including farmers, herders, youth leaders, traditional rulers, and security agents.
These individuals, our reporter learnt, will serve as frontline mediators and early responders to emerging tensions in their communities.
Speaking at the launch, the State Coordinator of USGEAAN and Project Lead, Mr. Onyeka Nwigwe, stressed the importance of local leadership in peacebuilding efforts.
“You are the bridge between conflict and peace. The knowledge and skills you gain today will empower you to mediate effectively and promote peaceful coexistence,” he told participants.
Chairman of Karim-Lamido LGA, Danjos Bitrus, represented by Danladi S. Umar, also urged community leaders to embrace dialogue and mutual respect as tools for resolving disputes.
“Peace is possible if we respect one another and talk through our grievances,” he said, emphasizing the vital roles both farmers and herders play in food security and rural development.
In his remarks, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the council described the initiative as timely and called on the Peace Watchers to act impartially and serve as role models in their communities.
The project rollout began with advocacy visits to key security institutions including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—to strengthen collaboration and institutional support for peacebuilding.
According to the organizers, additional training sessions, community outreaches, and conflict prevention activities are scheduled in the coming weeks to deepen grassroots engagement and help avert future violence across the state.