Bauchi governorship candidate, Tuggar, identified land as the reason for rising insecurity in Bauchi, among others

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has cited land use access between herders and farmers as the cause of increasing cases of banditry in Bauchi State and other parts of the country.

He argued, when speaking to journalists on Sunday, that pastoralism should not be seen as something backward, and that pastoralism remains a legitimate and long-practiced way of life even in developed societies.

According to him, “Transhumance is a way of life and is not in conflict with modern society. Pastoralists exist in developed countries, so it is not a sign of backwardness.”

The former minister stressed the need to modernize grazing practices and farming systems, including the development and proper management of grazing trails and nature reserves.

He explained that population growth and encroachment in grazing areas had increased tensions, leading to clashes between farmers and herders.

Tuggar warned against the indiscriminate allocation of large tracts of agricultural land to individuals who failed to make productive use of it, saying that such actions often displace subsistence farmers and deprive them of their livelihoods.

“When people lose their rights and can no longer support themselves, they may resort to banditry or other criminal activities,” he said.

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He called for a balanced approach that protects farmers and herders, and encourages collaboration with traditional institutions and local governments to address these challenges.

The former minister also underscored the importance of complying with constitutional provisions that prioritize the welfare of citizens, and warned that the government should not favor the privileged few at the expense of the majority.

When talking about pensions and gratuities, Tuggar notes that failure to pay pensioners’ entitlements contributes to social instability.

He explained that when retirees are unable to provide for their families, their dependents can be encouraged to engage in criminal activities, including kidnapping and banditry.

He promised that, if elected, prompt payment of pensions and gratuities would be one of his top priorities.

“This is important for individual survival and maintaining social stability. When families are neglected, insecurity can grow,” he added.

Tuggar further identified agriculture, mining and business process outsourcing as key sectors that can create jobs and reduce poverty.

He said increasing agricultural productivity and supporting pastoral systems would address much of the unemployment, while investment in local processing and digital skills training would create opportunities for educated youth.

Contrasting this with global examples, he noted that countries such as India have leveraged outsourcing to create jobs, and urged similar strategies to tap Nigeria’s youthful population.

He emphasized that inclusive economic policies and equitable land use will play an important role in addressing insecurity and promoting sustainable development in the state and beyond.