Fulani leaders and traditional leaders in Kaduna state have signed a peace deal which is aimed at bringing to an end  the series of clashes that have brought about loss of several lives and destruction of valuable property.

The peace deal is as a result of a meeting convened by the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Adeniyi Oyebade, a Major General.

The meeting was attended by traditional rulers and leaders of the Fulani community, as well as heads of other security agencies in the state.

Since the beginning of 2016, about ten communities in Jemaa and Sanga local government areas of Kaduna state have witnessed increased attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen, leading to the several deaths and destruction of houses and farmlands.

After the army general had informed the gathering of the purpose of the meeting, the leaders made their presentations and the meeting went into a closed-door session.

About five hours later, journalists were called into the room where the GOC read out their resolutions.

According to Oyebade, it was agreed at the meeting that a peace and reconciliation committee should be set-up to resolve all pending issues.

Banning of child herdsmen from grazing with cattle on farmlands and major roads, as well as prohibition of carrying of fire arms by herdsmen, were agreed upon.

The army GOC appealed to both parties to sheathe their swords for the interest of peace, warning that any party or individual that is found going against the peace deal would be prosecuted according to the law.

He also reassured the citizens of the state that the army, together with the other security agencies, would continue to discharge their responsibilities of protecting lives and property in the area.

After the meeting, National Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Baba Othman, assured that his people would abide by the resolution.

He told journalists that a committee would be set up by all the parties for full implementation of the resolutions.

Kaduna State has, over the years, witnessed series of ethno-religious crises that have ravaged many communities.

In late October this year, three villages – Godogodo, Akwa’a and Anguwan Anjo – were attacked by armed men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen and over 60 people were killed in the attack.

About four days ago seven people including a community leader were murdered in cold blood with no trace of their killers.