The Borno state government Wednesday constituted a high powered state committee on boundary matters to curtail communal clashes and farmers/herdsmen conflict in the state.
The committee is to also foster peaceful co-existence between communities in the state and neighbouring countries of Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republics.
The 13-man committee is headed by the deputy governor, Usman Umar Kadafur.
While inaugurating the committee at the council chamber, Government House, Maiduguri, Wednesday, Governor Babagana Zulum said, “The committee could not have come at a better time than now, as the government in its quest to promote peace and security in our society is very much aware of the need to avoid possible tension before it escalates into communal conflict in our communities.”
“Other terms of reference of the committee includes handling boundary matters such as international boundary with Chad, Niger and Cameroon Republics, inter-state boundaries with Adamawa, Yobe and Gombe states and local government boundaries within the 27 local government areas of the state as well as handle bilateral cooperation with Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republics.
”This is a proactive arrangement to avoid foreseen and unforeseen conflicts and promote peaceful co-existence among our communities and neighbouring countries.
“Boundary issues over the years have been a subject of concern, globally, this scenario prompted many countries in the world, including Nigeria to establish such committees or institutions in line with global peace initiatives.
“However, states are also admonished via the Nigeria Governors Forum to establish or reconstitute same boundary committees to handle boundary matters with all seriousness it deserves.”
