ABIA TRADITIONAL RULER HAILS DROP IN FARMER-HERDER CLASHES AS COMMUNITIES RECORD BETTER HARVESTS. (PHOTO).

Abia Traditional Ruler Hails Drop in Farmer-Herder Clashes as Communities Record Better Harvests

The Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, has said clashes between farmers and herdsmen, as well as the destruction of farms across communities in the state, reduced significantly in 2026.

Eze Mbah made the remarks on Saturday during the 2026 New Yam Festival celebration in his community, Ata Igbo Ukwu, Umuzomgbo autonomous community in Arochukwu Local Government Area.

He attributed the improvement to sustained peace efforts initiated by the Abia State Government involving traditional rulers, leaders of northern communities in the state, and indigenous cattle owners. These initiatives, he said, led to a notable decline in the number of farmer-herder confrontations this year.

According to the monarch, many communities in Abia, including Ata Igbo Ukwu Umuzomgbo, recorded higher yields of yams and other crops in 2026 compared to previous years. He encouraged farmers in the state to return to their farms without fear of attack.

While cautioning cattle owners against allowing their herds to stray into farms and private properties, Eze Mbah pledged that traditional rulers would continue to support Governor Alex Otti’s peace and security efforts aimed at protecting farmlands and forests.

He also called on the Federal Government to ensure that agricultural funding and inputs meant for genuine farmers are not diverted to politicians or individuals without farms.

“More Nigerian youths would be interested in farming if they are supported with adequate funding and they are ready to go into commercial agriculture if the farms are made safe,” Eze Nto Mbah said.