Stop Labelling Us Bandits – Fulani Group Cries Out

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

The Kautal Pulaaku Fulbe Association of Nigeria, the umbrella body of Fulanis in the country, has appealed to the government, civil society organizations, and all citizens to stop labeling and associating the Fulani ethnic group with criminality such as banditry and kidnapping.

The National President of the association, Alhaji Mohammadu Hussaini (Sarkin Fulanin Buzaye), made the appeal on Saturday in Bauchi during the inauguration of the North-East States Chairmen. He lamented that the stigmatization of Fulanis in the country has led to untold hardship for their members.

“The stereotyping and stigmatization of the Fulani ethnic group have resulted in hate, isolation, and victimization, which in turn have led to indiscriminate attacks,” he stated.

“Stigmatization has also led to the loss of innocent lives and property worth billions of naira.”

The Fulani leader stated that rather than stigmatizing the Fulani people, security agencies should ensure that perpetrators of criminal acts are apprehended and dealt with according to the law.

Hussaini said the Kautal Pulaaku Fulbe Association of Nigeria was officially launched as a national body committed to the advancement and well-being of Fulanis across the country.

He noted that the association would continue to sensitize and inspire Fulani youths nationwide to reject criminality and become responsible citizens as well as custodians of peace, security, and development.

He said the leadership of the association would invite government bodies, NGOs, faith-based organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to partner with them and contribute their quota towards the socio-economic development of Fulanis nationwide.

“To the leaders being inaugurated today, your office is not for personal aggrandizement but a public trust. You are advised to serve with humility, transparency, and accountability. We urge you to be accessible to the people you represent,” he stated.

“Today, the plight of Fulanis and the challenges we are facing are worrisome. These problems include community violence, conflicts between communities, unfair treatment by law enforcement agencies, cattle rustling, kidnapping, animal diseases, limited grazing areas, and other related issues,” he said.

“Kautal Pulaaku will never compromise with those among us who commit criminal acts; they will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Justice must be individualized so that innocent people are not demonized, and communities or tribes are not unjustly punished. Reconciliation, rehabilitation, and reintegration must be part of any long-term solution.”

“As we move forward, our priorities will include strengthening leadership capacity at the local government level, mounting public awareness campaigns against unlawful behavior, creating youth and women empowerment initiatives, seeking partnerships to improve access to education, and establishing legal aid to protect the rights of our members—especially those languishing in prison without clear charges against them,” Hussaini added.

The Fulani leader also commended President Bola Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Livestock Development, saying the new ministry will help address the challenges faced by Fulani communities in Nigeria through a robust policy framework to boost livestock production across the country.