Following the frequent communal conflict between Lunguda and Waja tribes, Adamawa and Gombe governments have banned hunters and militia groups in the communities.

“All militia and hunter groups are hereby disbanded and their activities proscribed in both communities of the two States,” the governments stated.

The ban was announced in a communique issued at the end of the first Adamawa/Gombe (Lunguda & Waja) community peace accord held in the Numan local government area.

Lunguda and Waja are tribes found in Adamawa and Gombe.

Governors Ahmadu Fintiri and Muhammad Yahaya signed the communique.

It said, “Following the perennial clashes between the Lunguda and Waja communities spread between Adamawa and Gombe states, the governors of the two states, Ahmadu Fintiri, and Muhammad Yahaya, summoned a peace meeting in Numan with the prominent sons and leaders of both communities.

“Lunguda and Waja people were neighbours under one chiefdom in Gombe state and had been enjoying harmonious relationships and inter-marriages.”

The communique added, “And that, all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps should be closed within the next one week, and people should return to their homes.”

The governors also called on religious leaders to mount and sustain a campaign for peace in both communities, adding that youth groups should equally be involved.

They directed that a committee for the rebirth of peace and sustaining it among Lunguda and Waja in both states should be raised.

The committee members will include the governors of Adamawa and Gombe and attorneys general.

The two communities in Adamawa clashed over farmland last July, leading to the loss of lives and property, forcing many to flee to Gombe.