Yobe State Unveils RUGA Settlement to Ease Farmer-Herder Conflicts

News in brief:

-Yobe State has commissioned a RUGA settlement to reduce farmer-herder clashes.

-The project provides housing, healthcare, education and basic amenities for pastoralists.

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has officially commissioned a Fulani Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) settlement in Nguru Local Government Area as part of efforts to address recurring conflicts between farmers and herders in the state.

The settlement, established by philanthropist Balarabe Abdullahi, also known as Balarabe DJ, is designed to provide a structured and sustainable living environment for pastoral communities.

The RUGA community is equipped with key social and economic amenities, including two-bedroom residential houses, a school, a shopping centre, a primary healthcare facility, potable water supply, electricity and a mosque.

According to the state government, the facilities are intended to reduce the need for open grazing while improving access to education, healthcare and basic services for herders.

Reducing Open Grazing, Building Peace

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Buni stated that the project would help curb open grazing practices that often lead to farmland destruction and violent clashes with farming communities.

He noted that the settlement would also support the social integration of pastoralists and promote peaceful coexistence.

The governor commended Abdullahi for the initiative and urged other well-meaning individuals to support similar projects that promote peace and development.

“The school, clinic, healthcare facility, and housing provided for the RUGA settlement are commendable. We appreciate his contributions on behalf of the people of Nguru, Yobe State and Nigeria,” Buni said.

Alignment with National Livestock Plans

Explaining the rationale behind the project, Abdullahi said the settlement was specifically designed to reduce conflict by providing designated grazing areas for herders.

He added that the initiative aligns with broader livestock reforms aimed at improving productivity and security.

In 2025, several northern states, including Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, Bauchi and Nasarawa, mapped out large areas of land for the National Livestock Transformation Plan, popularly known as RUGA.

The initiative is intended to address farmer-herder conflicts, enhance livestock management and boost food production in line with the Federal Government’s livestock development strategy.