Governor Fintiri Launches Peace Commission to Strengthen Unity and End Communal Conflicts in Adamawa

Daily Rendezvous 

In a bold step towards deepening peace and unity in Adamawa State, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has inaugurated the long-awaited Adamawa State Peace, Conflict Resolution and Social Integration Commission, a landmark initiative aimed at addressing communal clashes and fostering lasting harmony across the state.

The inauguration, held in Yola on Monday, July 14, 2025, is more than just a ceremonial milestone; it is the fulfilment of a promise Governor Fintiri made during his 2019 campaign trail, especially to the conflict-weary communities of the Numan Federation.

From Conflict to Dialogue: A Long Road to Peace

Adamawa State has experienced painful episodes of violence in the past, particularly between farmers and Fulani herders in the Numan area. The Governor recalled the deadly attacks and counterattacks of 2017 and 2018, which left a deep scar on the social fabric of the state.

“When we went around campaigning in 2018 and 2019, the wounds were fresh. We promised not only to heal those wounds but to create a system that prevents such tragedies from recurring,” Fintiri stated during the event.

True to that promise, his administration initiated a scoping study in 2019 to understand the root causes of insecurity and communal tension. What followed was the creation of a Technical Committee on the Security Situation in the Numan Federation, comprising respected community leaders from both the Bachama and Fulani ethnic groups. Guided by conflict resolution experts, the committee held honest conversations and delivered a report that has since served as the state's roadmap for peace.

One of the key recommendations of that report? The establishment of this Commission.

A Homegrown Solution for a Shared Future

According to the Governor, the newly launched Commission is not just a bureaucratic body—it is a homegrown solution built on community wisdom and inclusive dialogue.

“This is how it should be. When confronted with a challenge, we look inward and find the right minds to solve it. Adamawa is blessed with human resources, and we must continue to put them to use,” Fintiri said.

Established by Adamawa State Law No. 14 of 2020, the Commission was signed into law in 2021 and officially gazetted in 2022. Its core mandate includes:

Promoting peace and harmonious coexistence through proactive strategies;

Preventing conflict before it escalates; and

Offering peaceful, non-violent mediation at communal and inter-ethnic levels.

Meet the Peace Architects

The Commission is made up of a diverse group of leaders representing various sectors and communities across the state. Among those appointed are: HRH Alhamdu Gladstone Teneke, MFR (Hama Bata) – Part-time Chairman, Dr. Jamila Suleiman – Executive Vice Chairman, Comrade Mohammed Bello, AVM Nuhungu E. Nzokala (Rtd.), traditional rulers from Girei, Shelleng, Michika, youth representatives, religious leaders from the Muslim Council and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and representatives of both farmers and pastoralists.

Also serving as ex-officio members are the Secretary to the State Government, the Attorney General, the Special Adviser on Security, and the Commander of the State Vigilante Group.

“This is a powerful and inclusive team,” the Governor said. “Their appointment takes effect immediately, and I trust they will serve with dedication and wisdom.”

Peace as the Bedrock of Development

Governor Fintiri reaffirmed that peace and security remain the foundation of his administration’s development agenda, known as Adamawa 2.0, which centres on inclusive growth and social transformation.

“We’ve invested heavily in building peace. Without it, no meaningful development can happen. This Commission is a critical piece of that puzzle,” he concluded.

As Adamawa moves forward, this Commission stands as a beacon of hope—not only for ending conflict but for building a state where differences become strengths and where every citizen has a voice in shaping the future.