By Beatrice Gondyi, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has revoked all farmland allocations in the Aliya and Yautare Grazing Reserves in Darazo Local Government Area following irregularities that fueled violent clashes between farmers and herders.
Addressing journalists in Bauchi, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Auwal Mohammed Jatau, said the decision was taken after a thorough review by a High-Powered Committee established by Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to investigate the causes of the crisis.
According to Jatau, the Aliya and Yautare Grazing Reserves, covering 42,000 and 41,000 hectares respectively, were first declared forest reserves in 1953 and later designated as grazing reserves through a government gazette in 1986.
He explained that the government had earlier approved the dereservation of 2,500 hectares each from the two reserves to provide farmland for displaced farmers affected by the Darazo Ecological Project and to boost food production. However, the Deputy Governor said the implementation process was riddled with irregularities, leading to the illegal allocation of large portions of the grazing lands beyond the approved limits.
“This situation became the root cause of disputes between farmers and herders, which sadly escalated into destruction of farmlands, loss of properties, and even loss of lives,” Jatau stated.
He announced that the government had, therefore, decided to revoke all farmland allocations in the two grazing reserves with immediate effect. However, farmers who have crops on their lands will be allowed to harvest them before vacating the area permanently.
Jatau added that the initial approval of 2,500 hectares each for agricultural purposes would be reviewed and reallocated in line with due process and transparency.
The Deputy Governor reaffirmed the Bauchi State Government’s resolve to protect public lands, promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, and ensure equitable land use across the state.
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