By Isiyaka Ismail Wunti
The Bauchi State Government has inaugurated a high-powered committee to investigate the recent violent clashes between farmers and herders in Aliya, Yautare, and Farin Ruwa forests of Darazo Local Government Area.
Inaugurating the committee at Government House Bauchi, the State Deputy Governor Muhammad Auwal Jatau who also serves as chairman of the committee charged members to be diligent, fair and impartial in discharging their responsibilities.
The committee, comprised members of the State House of Assembly representing Darazo and Sade constituencies, Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Commissioners of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lands and Survey, Internal Security as well as the Chief Security Officer to the Governor.
Others are Special Adviser on Housing and Environment, traditional leaders including the Sarkin Fulanin Sade and representatives of the Fulani and farming communities.
According to the deputy Governor terms of reference of the committee are determining both the immediate and remote causes of the clashes, identifying victims of the incident, fishing out the perpetrators and recommending appropriate punishment and ensuring proper demarcation of the disputed lands among others.
The committee is to submit a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations within two weeks.
It could be recalled that Governor Bala Mohammed had earlier today paid a visit to Darazo Local Government Area in a swift response to the conflict, where he met with stakeholders and community leaders to douse tension and reaffirm his administration’s commitment to peaceful coexistence.
