The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lau Local Government Council of Taraba State has called on farmers and herders to prioritise peace and mutual respect as the 2026 rainy season begins, warning that renewed agricultural activities could heighten tensions if caution is not observed.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the CAN Coordinator in the council, Pastor Zephaniah John, the association urged both groups to avoid actions that could trigger conflict as they return to farmlands and grazing routes across the area.

He noted that coexistence remains essential for survival in the agrarian communities of Lau, stressing that “the farmer needs peace to cultivate, and the herder needs peace to rear livestock,” while condemning violence as counterproductive to both livelihoods.

The CAN leadership also commended the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas for establishing the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, describing it as a proactive step towards addressing insecurity and communal disputes in Taraba.

The statement further praised the appointment of local representatives into key advisory and peacebuilding roles within the state structure.

CAN appealed directly to farmers to avoid encroaching on established grazing routes and water points, urging them to report disputes to traditional rulers, the Ardo, or security agencies rather than resorting to self-help.

Herders were similarly advised to respect farmlands, avoid night grazing, and ensure compensation where damage to crops occurs.

The association also called on religious and community leaders under groups such as the Christian Association of Nigeria, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Miyetti Allah, and the All Farmers Association of Nigeria to intensify messages of peace and discourage inflammatory rhetoric.

Security agencies, including Operation Whirl Stroke, were also commended for their ongoing efforts in maintaining stability in the region. CAN called for increased patrols in identified flashpoints such as Jauro Bakari, Kunini, Doubeli Lavoro, and the Mayo-Lope axis to prevent outbreaks of violence.

The association further urged the Taraba State Government and Lau Local Government Council to convene a farmers-herders peace dialogue ahead of peak farming activities, aimed at establishing clearer rules of engagement for the season.