Gov Zulum Constitutes a 13-Man Boundary Committee on Communal Clashes, Farmers/Herdsmen Conflicts

The Borno State Government has constituted a high Powered State Committee on Boundary Matters to curtail communal clashes and farmers/herdsmen conflicts in the state,.

The committee will foster peaceful co-existance between communities in the state and neighbouring countries of Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic.

The 13 Man committee is headed by the State Deputy Governor, Hon. Usman Umar Kadafur.

Governor Zulum who stated this while innugurtung the Committee at the Council Chamber, Government House Maiduguri Wednesday, said: "the committee could not have come at a better time than now, as the Government in its quest to promote peace and security in our society is very much aware of the need to avoid possible tension before it escalates into communal conflict in our communities”.

"Other terms of reference of the committee include handling boundary matters such as international boundary with Chad, Niger and Cameroon Republic, inter-state boundaries with Adamawa, Yobe and Gombe states and Local Government boundaries within the 27 Local Government Areas of the state as well as handle bilateral cooperations with Cameroon. Chad and Niger Republic“.

” This is a proactive arrangement to avoid foreseen and unforeseen conflicts and promote peaceful co-existence among our communities and neighbouring countries.

"Boundary issues over the years has been a subject of concern. Globally, this scenario prompted many countries in the world including Nigeria to establish such committees or institutions in line with global peace initiatives.

"However, states are also admonished via the Nigeria Governor’s Forum to establish or reconstitute same boundary committees to handle boundary matters with all seriousness it deserves" ,Gov. Zulum said.

He added: "it may interest you to know however that if we collaborate with neighbouring states and countries through this interface, it would further strengthen our friendship and bilateral relationships with them, thereby improving the security situation on our land boundaries and strike a natural understanding to forestall possible conflicts and confrontations".

Speaking on behalf of the committee members, the Borno State Deputy Governor, Hon. Usman Umar Kadafur said, ” I want to assure you that, we will work hand in hand with our neighboring countries and states to ensure peaceful co-existence among our communities ”

He thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in the committee and assured him that they will not let him down .