Herders from outside Same District who had brought their livestock into villages in Vumari Ward without official authorization have begun complying with an order issued by the Same District Commissioner, Kasilda Mgeni, to remove their animals from the area.
Authorities said the herders had entered the ward in large numbers without following established procedures governing livestock movement, prompting concerns among residents and local leaders.
According to the Same District Police Commander, the presence of the livestock triggered tensions between farmers and herders after animals grazed on cultivated crops, leading to losses for farmers. Some farmers were also reportedly assaulted during the confrontation, further escalating the dispute.
Local authorities intervened to prevent the situation from deteriorating, and the herders have now completely vacated the affected areas.
On February 21 this year, District Commissioner Kasilda Mgeni visited Vumari Ward where she issued an official directive ordering the herders to remove their livestock within seven days starting February 22.
However, the animals were voluntarily removed before a planned special operation by security forces could be launched to enforce the directive.
Ms Mgeni had warned that failure to comply with the order would prompt a coordinated operation by security and defence forces to remove the livestock from the district.
She further cautioned that any losses incurred during such an enforcement operation would not be the responsibility of the government, as the herders had already been given clear instructions and adequate time to relocate their animals.
Authorities say the situation has since stabilised.
As of March 2, 2026, peace has returned to Vumari Ward, with farmers and legally resident herders continuing with their daily activities without further conflict.
Local leaders have urged livestock keepers to follow proper migration procedures and obtain official permission before moving animals into new areas in order to avoid similar disputes in the future.