The Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, has said tensions between farmers and herdsmen have significantly reduced across the state in 2026.
Mbah attributed the development to sustained peace-building efforts involving the Abia State Government, traditional rulers, Northern community leaders and cattle owners. He said improved cooperation among the groups had helped reduce clashes and incidents involving the destruction of farmlands.
The traditional ruler made the remarks during the 2026 New Yam Festival celebration in Ata Igbo Ukwu, Umuzomgbo Autonomous Community, in Arochukwu Local Government Area.
According to him, the relatively peaceful environment has also contributed to improved agricultural activities in some communities. He cited better yam and other crop harvests as evidence that farmers were increasingly able to cultivate their land without the level of insecurity experienced in previous years.
Mbah encouraged farmers across Abia to return to their farms and expand production, while appealing to cattle owners to prevent their animals from straying into cultivated farmlands and private properties.
He stressed that maintaining peace between farmers and herders remains essential to food production and economic development in the state.
“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,” Mbah said.
The monarch also called on the Federal Government to strengthen monitoring of agricultural intervention programmes to ensure that funds and inputs reach genuine farmers rather than being diverted.
He argued that improved access to financing, coupled with secure farmland, could encourage more young Nigerians to embrace commercial agriculture.
The development is significant amid longstanding farmer-herder tensions in parts of Nigeria, which have affected agricultural activities, livelihoods and food security.
Mbah said traditional rulers would continue supporting peace initiatives and promoting dialogue among communities.
He maintained that sustaining the progress recorded in 2026 would require continued cooperation between government authorities, farmers, herders and community leaders.
