The Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory, Ahmed Sanusi, has met with farmers and herders in Dabiri and Paiko communities. The meeting followed reports of civil unrest between the two groups. The communities are in Gwagwalada Area Council. The Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, disclosed the meeting in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
Farmer-herder violence has killed thousands across Nigeria. In 2018, clashes in Benue killed hundreds. In 2022, violence spread to Plateau and Nasarawa. Tensions have also flared in the FCT, particularly in Gwagwalada, Kuje and Bwari. In 2023, the FCT administration established peace committees. The committees mediate disputes over land, water and grazing routes. The current meeting follows a reported breach. The police are trying to prevent escalation.
Sanusi urged both parties to embrace dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence. He said all disputes must be resolved peacefully and lawfully, not with violence. He warned against incitement, retaliation, and any action that could disrupt public peace. He called on community leaders to cooperate with the police. He asked them to identify and hand over those responsible for the attacks.
Sanusi said communities should not let the actions of a few individuals endanger their lives. He assured residents that the situation was under control. He said normalcy had been restored. Security measures were strengthened to prevent further breakdown of law and order. He urged residents of Dabiri and neighbouring communities to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel. He advised law-abiding residents to return to their lawful businesses without fear.
Winners: The communities, if peace holds. The police, which shows mediation capacity. Traditional leaders, who gain a role. Residents, who gain security. Losers: The attackers, who face arrest. Those inciting violence. Farmers and herders who lost property. The local economy, which suffers during unrest.
Bottom Line: The police met both sides. The message was dialogue. The attackers remain at large. The communities must hand them over. Peace depends on it.