Abia State Sees Reduced Farmers-Herdsmen Clashes in 2026

Eze Linus Nto Mbah, the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, announced that the conflicts between farmers and herdsmen in Abia State decreased in 2026. This statement was made during the 2026 new yam festival in Ata Igbo Ukwu, Umuzomgbo autonomous community, Arochukwu local government area.

Eze Mbah attributed the reduction in clashes to sustained peace initiatives by the Abia State government, which involved traditional rulers and leaders of Northern communities, as well as indigenous cattle owners. He noted that many communities, including Ata Igbo Ukwu Umuzomgbo, experienced increased harvests of yams and other produce in 2026 compared to previous years.

Eze Mbah encouraged farmers to return to their farms without fear of attacks and cautioned cattle owners against allowing their herds to trespass on private properties. He pledged continued support for Governor Alex Otti's peace efforts and urged the federal government to ensure that agricultural funding reaches genuine farmers rather than politicians.