Two traditional leaders in Gombe State have been suspended by the Gombe State Expanded Security Council following a deadly crisis between a farmer and herder in Funakaye Local Government Area, aims to serve as a deterrent to others who may neglect their duties in preventing such conflicts.
The suspension of a village head and a district head was announced after an emergency security meeting at the Government House, with the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Zubair Umar.
Umar stated that the council found the inaction of the traditional rulers to be a key factor in the escalation of the crisis, which resulted in the destruction of farmlands and loss of lives. He noted that investigations into the incident were ongoing and that more information would be released upon conclusion.
According to Umar, the government’s move reflects its determination to find lasting solutions to the recurring clashes between farmers and herders in the state.
Deputy Chairman of the Council of Emirs and Chiefs, Mai Kaltungo Engineer Saleh Mohammed, clarified that the suspension was temporary and not a dismissal. He said the affected leaders could be reinstated if they offered satisfactory explanations during the investigation.
Mohammed also appealed to both farmers and herders to coexist peacefully, noting that Gombe remains one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states despite recent tensions.
