Community Leaders Deliberate on Resource Conflicts in Sokoto North, South
By Bashar Muhammad Dange
A community roundtable on natural resource management and conflict prevention has been convened in Sokoto North and Sokoto South Local Government Areas, as part of efforts to address recurring disputes linked to resource access.
The engagement was organised by Save the Children Initiative (STCI) under its RECAP Project (Resilience, Engagement and Conflict Prevention for At-Risk Population Protection). The session brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including farmers, pastoralists, traditional and religious leaders, vigilante groups, youth and women associations, as well as persons living with disabilities.
Held at the Sokoto North local government secretariat, the meeting provided a platform for participants to examine available natural resources in their communities, identify key challenges affecting access, and propose practical solutions aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence and sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking during the session, RECAP Project Officer, Esther Oluwapemi, noted that the initiative is designed to support communities in understanding resource dynamics while promoting conflict-sensitive livelihood approaches. She added that the project is currently being implemented across 10 local government areas in Sokoto State, including Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Tambuwal, and Dange Shuni.
Also contributing, STCI’s Admin and Communications Officer, Rukayya Ibrahim, stressed the importance of inclusive dialogue and active community participation in resolving disputes tied to natural resources. She explained that the project seeks to strengthen peaceful coexistence through engagement, inclusion, and preventive strategies.
In his remarks, the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi (Sarkin Yakin Gagi), urged residents and community leaders to uphold tolerance, mutual respect, and non-violent conflict resolution methods to sustain peace and stability.
Participants highlighted the urgency of enhancing collaboration among community leaders, civil society organisations, and government agencies to tackle persistent challenges such as farmer-herder conflicts, gender-based violence, and broader security concerns.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to grassroots engagement and peacebuilding initiatives aimed at strengthening social cohesion across affected communities.
The RECAP Project is funded by the European Union in partnership with International Alert and Action Against Hunger, with a focus on building resilience and preventing conflict among vulnerable populations in Sokoto State.
