Famers-Herders Deadly Crisis: Bauchi Revokes Land Allocations in Alia, Yautere Grazing Reserves

From Paul Orude Bauchi

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has directed the immediate revocation of all allocated lands in the Alia and Yautere grazing reserves in Darazo Local Government Area following persistent farmers-herders clashes that have resulted in the loss of lives and property.

The directive was announced by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Auwal Jatau, during a press briefing held at the Government House, Bauchi, on Monday night.

Jatau, who was accompanied by the Commissioners for Internal Security, Livestock Production, Information and Communication, as well as some Special Advisers, said the decision became necessary to prevent further loss of lives and property in the area.

He explained that the Alia grazing reserve covers 42,000 hectares, while the Yautere grazing reserve spans 41,500 hectares respectively.

“The history of the two grazing reserves dates back to 1953 when they were first declared forest reserves and later designated as grazing reserves through a government gazette in 1986,” he said.

According to him, in response to the growing demand for farmlands to promote food security and support displaced farmers through ecological projects, Governor Bala Mohammed had earlier approved the de-reservation of 2,500 hectares each from the two grazing reserves.

However, Jatau noted that the implementation process was marred by irregularities, which led to the illegal allocation of the entire grazing reserves—a situation that fueled renewed conflicts between farmers and herders, resulting in destruction of farmlands, loss of property, and fatalities.

“You may recall that the governor set up a high-powered committee to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the crisis,” Jatau said.

“The committee has since submitted its findings and recommendations to the government.”

He announced that, following the committee’s report, the state government has decided to revoke all farmland allocations in the Alia and Yautere grazing reserves with immediate effect.

“However,” the deputy governor added, “farmers who have not yet harvested their crops are permitted to do so before vacating the land.”

Jatau further disclosed that the initial allocation of 2,500 hectares approved by the governor would be reviewed and reallocated in line with due process and equity.