From Conflict to Collaboration: Boniface Nakulmide's Journey of Peace in Guyuk

In the quiet town of Guyuk, located in Adamawa State, North East Nigeria, both Christians and Muslims predominantly engage in farming and herding. However, the struggle to share dwindling natural resources like water and grazing fields has historically led to communal conflicts between these groups.

Guyuk has not been immune to disputes, experiencing violent clashes in 1999 and 2004.

Yet, one man Boniface Nakulmide, emerged with a vision to change this narrative. 

Boniface is a peasant farmer living in Guyuk with his wife and four children, Boniface recognized the necessity of building sustainable peace within his community. He dedicated himself tirelessly as a volunteer and community leader to this worthy cause.

Boniface’s journey as a peacebuilder began in response to the devastating clashes between farmers and herders that shook his community in 2004.

“The clashes were almost routine,” he recalls, his eyes reflecting both weariness and determination. “Farmers and herders often fought over land and resources. When animals wandered into farms, it wasn’t just about crops—it was personal. Lives were lost, and relationships were torn apart.”

The situation was further complicated by drug abuse among the youth, which escalated minor conflicts into full-blown crises. “Youth involved in drug abuse were easily provoked, leading to more violence,” Boniface explains.

A turning point came when Search for Common Ground launched the COMITAS project in Guyuk Town in 2023. This initiative equipped Boniface with tools and skills he never imagined he would use as a farmer to broker peace with herders in his community. 

He attended training sessions that introduced him to concepts such as early warning systems and the Common Ground Approach. For him, this was empowerment. “They taught us to look out for signs of trouble and address them before conflicts could escalate,” he recalls. “I learned that it’s better to prevent violence than to look for ways to fix things afterwards.”

One of the most impactful changes he initiated was reopening cattle routes—essential pathways used by herders to access water sources. Over time, many of these routes had been blocked by farms, leading to inevitable conflicts when animals strayed onto farmland. Armed with his training and newfound understanding, Boniface took it upon himself to clear these paths. He mobilized young people in the community to mark the cattle routes so that both farmers and herders would know where they were located.

Despite facing challenges—including whispers of accusations from some farmers who believed he had been bribed by herders—Boniface remained resolute. “It wasn’t about money,” he asserts firmly. “I knew this was a step toward peace. I could see it, even if others couldn’t yet.” His persistence eventually garnered the support of local leaders, including the village head.

The impact of his efforts was almost immediate. With the cattle routes open, farmers and herders could navigate shared spaces without conflict. Grateful for Boniface’s work, herders began providing manure for his farm, strengthening the bond he was cultivating with them. Reflecting on this transformation, Boniface states, “Before, I saw herders as my enemies. But now, I realize they are my partners. 

My farm has benefited from the manure they give me, and we both gain when we work together.”

The COMITAS project not only trained Boniface in conflict resolution but also empowered him to become a trusted leader within his town. “People know me as the ‘peacemaker,’” he proudly shares. “They call me even at midnight if there’s a problem, and I go, no matter the time.” He has organized town meetings that bring together farmers, herders, and local leaders to collaboratively discuss their shared challenges.

Beyond conflict prevention, Boniface has also taken on advocacy against drug abuse among youth—an issue he sees as a root cause of violence in Guyuk Town. “I gather young people and talk to them about the impact of drugs on their lives and our community,” he explains. “I tell them that it doesn’t make them stronger; it just brings more pain.”

Recently completing advanced training on early warning systems has further enhanced Boniface’s ability to identify potential threats to peace. He has learned the Common Ground Approach, which emphasizes empathy, active listening, and collaboration. “Thanks to COMITAS, I have the skills to handle problems before they escalate,” he says. “Now I teach others to look out for early signs of conflict and address them immediately.”

Through these efforts, Boniface has become more than just a farmer or committee leader; he is now an integral part of Guyuk Town’s social fabric—trusted and respected by all. “I promised myself to be a peacemaker,” he smiles. “COMITAS has shown me that we must build peace daily.”

Boniface’s work exemplifies the power of community-led change. Guyuk Town is not only witnessing fewer conflicts but also experiencing a renewal of trust and unity between farmers and herders. His story serves as an inspiring testament to how one determined individual can alter the fate of an entire community through collaboration and commitment to peacebuilding initiatives like COMITAS.

The project contributing to the mitigation of conflict between farmers and herders over natural resources in Adamawa and Taraba states is funded by European Union in Nigeria and implemented by a consortium comprising of Search, IOM - UN Migration Mercy Corps