As farmer-grazier conflict surges in Nwa: Donga Mantung SDO bans grazing in Mbaw plain.

According to the senior civil administrator, the decision signed May 26, was prompted by recent escalation of farmer-grazier conflicts within his area of command. 

Having received multiple complaints filed at his office on the irregular settlement of grazers in the typically farming zone, the SDO said there was need to ensure peace and maintain order. 

Faced with the said dire situation that may turned bloody, the SDO issued a 15-day ultimatum for graziers to quit the Mbaw Plain in a bid “to curb the multiple farmer-grazier disputes resulting from the irregular settlement of graziers in this farming zone”. 

Charging some traditional rulers of the pastoral nomadistic communities in the area, the SDO stated that “from the date of signature of this present order, Ardo Idi Manou of Ngonkaw and Ardo Karimu of Nking villages are charged to inform and mobilise all the grazers in the Mbaw plain farmlands to leave the area before the 10/06/2023”. 

Meanwhile, a competent farmer-grazier commission has been established to immediately assess all damages already incurred as a result of the “irregular and illegal pasturing” in the plains. 

Dr Nkwenti has further warned that any person or group of persons found violating his order shall be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the laws and regulations in force. 

Also, the Divisional Officer, DO for Nwa, the Mayor of Nwa, the forces of law and order, as well as the traditional rulers in the plains have all been charged with ensuring the strict implementation of the Prefectoral Order.

It should be recalled that the problem of farmer-grazier dispute has been recurrent in the North West Region. Donga Mantung has been spared by the conflict.

The phenomenon is said to have been on a steady rise in recent time with farmers condemning the havoc wrecked in their farmlands, leading to very minimal yields. 

In 2021, the dispute resurfaced with some persons reportedly killed in Nwa Subdivision. The conflict erupted between indigenes and grazier communities in the northern part of Nwa Subdivision.