News
Farmers/Herders Clash: IOM Impacts Over 30,000 Individuals in Taraba, Adamawa
Farmers/Herders Clash: IOM Impacts Over 30,000 Individuals in Taraba, Adamawa
By: Michael Mike
Over 30,000 individuals have been positively impacted through the United Nations International Organisation for Migration (IOM)‘s project on conflict mitigation between farmers and herders in Taraba and Adamawa states.
The revelation was made by the IOM Chief of Mission Laurent De Boeck during the official inauguration of the second phase of the mission’s project steering committee meeting in Abuja.
The project is on: “Contributing to the mitigation of conflict over natural resources between farmer and herder communities in Taraba and Adamawa States, Nigeria (COMITAS Il)”, and implemented by IOM through collaboration with Search for Common Ground (SFCG), Mercy Corps and funded by the European Union (EU).
De Boeck, who was represented by Juliana Dorr, Programme Manager of IOM said, “The COMITAS II project was built on the first one, in December, 2022 it successfully contributed to improving the lives of women, men and children in Adamawa.
“This is the start of phase-two and with the programme inclusion of Taraba, the contribution by partners has reached 30,000 individuals across nine local governments.”
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. David Jatan, said the COMITAS II project has been going on in the state since 2021.
He said: “The project has made tremendous impact on the community, particularly on issues of herders-farmers conflict; it has reduced incidents of conflicts between farmers and herders drastically.
Fintiri added that: @The peacebuilding programme of the project has brought sucor and peace among farmers and herders in Adamawa, and changed the livelihood of these communities.”
On his part, Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Jeji Williams, said the programme is ongoing in the state.
Kefas said: “We benefited so much and lots of women and children have improved in terms of livelihood; we are not Oliver Twist, but we will tell you there are more grey areas to be covered in the state.”
Programme Manager, Regional Team for West Africa of the EU, Eric Pitois, said the project remained important as it tackles the root causes of farmers-herders crisis in Nigeria.
He said: “This includes high competition of natural resources, climate change; we strongly encourage positive collaboration between Federal Ministries, Adamawa, Taraba and other stakeholders.
“They should work towards the noble goal for Nigerians, particularly women and children living in difficulties in some parts of the country.”
Staff Officer, Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Dennis Oziioko, commended the meeting for being timely in tackling conflict.
He said: “There is no doubt this meeting will provide an opportunity for all our key project officials to review updates on the COMITAS II project activities, since the last meeting held in 2023 in Abuja.
“We will be able to look at progress so far made, as well as discuss the sustainability plan of the project.”
The committee is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the project, make decisions and provide strategic guidance due to demographic growth, expansion of human settlements, privatisation of land, year-round farming practices, environmental degradation, and climate change.
Farmers/Herders Clash: IOM Impacts Over 30,000 Individuals in Taraba, Adamawa
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers, recover rifle in Akwa Ibom
Tragedy in Plateau: Carbon monoxide exposure claims 37 lives at Wase mining site
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