As a result of the recent violent clashes between farmers and herders in the Gurfata community, Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Abubakar Jibrin Giri, summoned an emergency security meeting with key stakeholders to settle the conflict and foster long-term peace.
The senior-level gathering, which was held last night in the Teachers’ House at Gwagwalada, brought together traditional rulers, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Director of Security, security personnel, and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association members.
In a statement issued by the council’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Yamawo, the chairman of the council highlighted the need for embracing dialogue and understanding. “We cannot afford to let these confrontations destroy the peace in our communities,” Giri explained. “This meeting calls for all parties concerned to embrace tolerance and work together towards conflict resolution.”
The forum focused on conversations that would help prevent future confrontation, grow community engagement, and build more robust inter-groups relationships. Giri urged all parties to prioritize peace, reminding them that long-term development and stability depend on working together from all sides.
The chairman ordered security forces to give a sustained presence in the Gurfata community in the form of frequent patrols, in a bid to regain peace and ensure residents’ safety.
Also issuing comments at the meeting was FCT Director of Security, Adamu Gwary, who highlighted the need for cooperation and exchange of intelligence among the security agencies. He instructed all the agencies to provide detailed situation reports to the Council Chairman, who would in turn make them available to the FCT Minister’s office for consideration and appropriate action.
This order makes allowances for elaborate documentation and examination of the clashes for purposes of ascertaining the reasons and implementing effective interventions,” Gwary stated.
The gathering will present practical suggestions to put an end to the ongoing tensions and ensure harmonious coexistence in Gurfata and the larger Gwagwalada Area Council.
