By Chief Joe Daniels Umezulike.
The recent tragic events in Uromi may have been a reprisal attack, as many Nigerians have been expressing deep frustration over the actions of some radicalized elements within the Fulani herdsmen community. While these concerns are valid, it is important to recognize that not all herders are involved in criminal activities. Many Fulani herders remain committed to the original trade of cattle rearing, which has long been an integral part of Nigerian culture and economy.
However, the unfortunate reality is that the perception of the Fulani herdsmen has drastically changed due to the alarming increase in cases of kidnapping, rape, and violent attacks on indigenous farmers across the country. This situation has fueled widespread resentment and fear, not just among local communities but throughout the nation. If decisive action is not taken, this growing hostility could lead to even greater conflict and instability.
As custodians of the Fulani heritage and leadership, you have a crucial responsibility to address these concerns. The time has come to distinguish between the genuine herders who seek to peacefully conduct their trade and the criminal elements who exploit this identity for violence and terror. We urge you to implement concrete strategies to weed out the bad elements and restore public trust in the Fulani pastoral community.
Furthermore, if there is any perceived conquest agenda, it must be understood that such ambitions are outdated and unrealistic in today’s world. Modern warfare is no longer fought with bows and arrows but with advanced military technology, including missiles and drones. The land and resources available to the Fulani community within Nigeria should be more than sufficient for sustainable herding practices. Any attempts to impose dominance through violence will not only be met with resistance but will also prove to be a futile and destructive endeavor.
Nigeria as a nation must avoid any form of war, as the consequences are devastating and unpredictable. Even global superpowers struggle with prolonged conflicts, as seen in Russia’s inability to decisively defeat Ukraine and the United States’ eventual withdrawal from Afghanistan. History has shown that war only leads to suffering, economic collapse, and loss of countless innocent lives.
We, therefore, call upon Fulani leaders at all levels—traditional, religious, and political—to urgently devise and implement solutions to curb this menace. It is not too late to restore peace and unity. By working together with the government, security agencies, and local communities, we can prevent further violence and ensure that the Fulani people are not unfairly labeled due to the actions of a radical few.
Nigeria belongs to all of us, and it is our collective duty to foster peace, security, and mutual respect among all ethnic groups. The time to act is now.
Chief Joe Daniels Umezulike is president New Nigerian Mandate.