News
Ending Insecurity: Fulani Leaders Coalition Aims To Transform Herdsmen’s Attitude
A coalition of 17 Fulani groups, led by prominent figures like Abdullahi Ganduje and Isa Yuguda, is determined to address insecurity caused by some herdsmen.
With a focus on changing the mindset of Fulanis and promoting modern pastoralism, the coalition aims to create a peaceful environment for livestock production and improve the lives of Fulani communities.
In a significant development, 17 Fulani group leaders have come together to form a coalition with a shared objective of ending the insecurity perpetuated by certain members of their community. Notably, the coalition includes former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, and former Governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda.
During their inaugural meeting, these prominent leaders acknowledged the existence of a small faction within the Fulani community that has been involved in criminal activities, such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and militia operations.
However, they emphasized that these individuals are now undergoing a transformative process and are committed to peace and stability.
The Transformation Of Killer Herdsmen: A Change In Narrative
Ganduje, expressing the coalition’s collective sentiment, stressed the need for a change in narrative regarding Fulani herdsmen.
He noted that the concept of nomadic education had failed due to misunderstandings, urging the community to alter their mindset to capitalize on the government’s renewed efforts and support.
According to Ganduje, the once notorious herdsmen are now born again, having realized the importance of embracing peace and stability.
Emphasizing the significance of providing an enabling environment, Ganduje appealed to the government to facilitate various aspects of Fulani life, including settlement, housemanship, livestock laboratories, markets, and security measures.
He highlighted the necessity of education for the children of Fulani herdsmen and affirmed the coalition’s commitment to engaging citizens in efforts to discourage banditry and other harmful practices. Ganduje commended the efforts of the security agencies in ensuring the nation’s safety and reiterated the coalition’s dedication to fostering peace and stability in Nigeria.
Reforming Livestock Production: The Fulani Perspective
Former Governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda, shed light on the challenges faced by the Fulani community, asserting that they are the most profiled ethnic group in Nigeria, with an estimated population of 60 million people.
Yuguda expressed concern over the survival of the Fulani people in Nigeria, urging prompt action to address the prevailing animosity towards them.
He revealed the presence of various groups, including Fulani militias, within the bush, most of whom had experienced personal tragedies involving the loss of family members.
“Trapped in a cycle of violence, some of these individuals have resorted to using weapons for criminal activities,” Yuguda said while attributing it to the lack of intervention in the takeover of cattle routes and grazing areas to the government’s inaction, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the Fulani community.
He emphasized that his personal interactions with Fulani ethnic militias in Zamfara State revealed their deep-rooted grievances stemming from conflicts between Hausa and Fulani communities.
“Notably, these militias resort to violent acts, such as raiding houses and kidnapping, in response to similar incidents targeting Fulani individuals,” Yuguda said.
Highlighting the urgent need for unity among the Fulani leaders and underlined the staggering loss of over 3 million cows during the crisis, Baba Ngelzarma, the National President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), echoed the sentiments of the coalition, emphasizing their determined efforts to unite Fulani leaders and resolve the prevailing insecurity.
Ngelzarma revealed the staggering loss of over 3 million cows during the crisis, emphasizing the dire need for immediate action.
He reiterated the coalition’s commitment to restoring peace and stability to their communities.
Dr Ramatu Abarshi, a Fulani kidnap victim, shared her perspective on the issue, stating that the problem faced by the Fulani community cannot be resolved by a single individual.
Despite her traumatic experience, she expressed forgiveness towards her captors and called upon all Fulanis to support the renewed hope fostered by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
Dr Abarshi highlighted the gravity of witnessing young Fulani individuals, armed with guns, expressing pleasure in taking lives.
Nevertheless, she affirmed her resolve to move forward and focus on positive changes.
Paving the Way for Peaceful Livestock Production
The formation of the Fulani Leaders Coalition marks a significant step towards addressing the insecurity perpetuated by a small faction within the Fulani community.
By advocating for a change in mindset and embracing modern pastoralism, the coalition aims to create a conducive environment for livestock production.
Their collective efforts to engage citizens, discourage criminal activities, and foster unity among Fulani leaders offer hope for a peaceful and stable Nigeria.
It is crucial for all stakeholders to support these initiatives and work towards resolving the challenges faced by the Fulani community, ensuring a brighter future for all Nigerians.
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Says Nigeria A Wounded, Bleeding Nation In Need of Healing
Says God Weeping For Nigeria Because Of Corruption, Banditry, Terrorism, Bloodshed
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deal decisively with insecurity in Nigeria, which, he said, has developed branches and spreading like a monster across the country.
Describing Nigeria as “a wounded and bleeding nation in need of healing”, he said all security operatives must restrategize in their approach to end the widespread insecurity in the country, while resources allocated to fight crimes in the country must be used honestly and transparently.
Kaigama stated these in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of a Chrism Mass held Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral in Abuja.
“The Chrism Mass gathers us priests as one presbyterate, one family of faith, around the Bishop, to bless the oils of the sick, the catechumens, and sacred Chrism, and for each priest to renew his priestly commitment as “alter Christus” – another Christ”, the cleric explained.
Kaigama said, “When the Catholic Bishop went to see him (President Bola Tinubu). We had to appeal to the President that they must rise to the occasion, and things are well.
“There was a time when it was only Boko Haram; another time it was militant herdsmen. Now, insecurity has diversified. Criminality has developed branches. It is a monster, spreading in all directions. There is a need for restrategizing. Whatsoever the security agencies are doing has worked to an extent, but there is no solution yet.
“There should be an inter-agency corporation. There should be no competition. All the security forces should go all out for criminals. These people are not ghosts.
“I am hoping that a new step will be taken. We insist that good work must be done. The resources voted for security must be used honestly and transparently.”
Earlier while delivering his message, Kaigama said not only are priests in need of healing, but the citizens and Nigeria need it too.
He said, “Our nation needs healing from the festering wounds inflicted by politics, and harsh economic realities that do not only result in crimes and violence but subsequently, to unsound minds of our dear young people. We continue to witness criminality that robs people of their lives which should be sacred.
“The brutal killings in Ondo, Uromi, Bokkos, and Borno; the several killings in Southern Kaduna including the cruel murder of a priest of Kafanchan diocese; the killings of some 16 soldiers recently, and many untold killings show a wounded and bleeding nation in need of healing.
“One can only imagine how many families are left devastated, traumatized, and broken severely. By now, one would think that with the combination of modern technology and non-kinetic methods, criminality would have been greatly reduced in Nigeria. The recurring violence in different parts of the nation is a sign of a nation in need of healing. How criminals known as “unknown gunmen,” kidnappers, terrorists, militant herdsmen, etc., are nearly never always apprehended and decisively dealt with is puzzling.
“They appear, kill, burn houses, and farms, injure people, and disappear, and only later to stage a comeback inflicting more damage than previously, costing innumerable loss of human lives. It appears that we have yet to get the right technology to hunt these criminals down, or is it the absence of goodwill or political will?
“We are not only spiritually sick but also economically, politically, and socially. We need individual and collective healing. Luke 19:41 tells us that as Jesus nears the city of Jerusalem, He pauses and weeps. His tears are not for Himself, but for Jerusalem, for those who will reject Him, for the destruction that will come upon them because they did not recognize the time of God’s visitation.
“What makes God weep for Nigeria? Corruption, banditry, terrorism, bloodshed, etc. Despite the strong presence and the external practice of Christianity and Islam, many, reject the truth of God’s word and choose to conceal it and not bear witness to it; we put people who speak the truth down; we refuse to be instruments of God’s love and mercy to others; we choose to live in sin rather than God’s grace and mercy. We place others on the cross by our hatred and rejection of them.”
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the Umbrella of the Southern Kaduna United Visionary Leaders have reiterated their unwavering commitment to the party, dismissing concerns over the growing presence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the region.
The leaders made the declaration at an APC stakeholders’ meeting held in Chori, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Addressing attendees, the host and Political Adviser to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Godfrey Ali Gaiya, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for promoting inclusive governance. He assured that the group would continue to rally behind the administration to strengthen APC’s political foothold in Southern Kaduna.
“Our goal is to make the APC not just popular but deeply rooted in Southern Kaduna through increased membership, quality representation, and strategic political appointments,” Gaiya said. He also called for unity and peaceful coexistence, noting that development thrives only in a stable and united environment.
In his address, Mr. Ado Dogo Audu, Chairman of the group and Counsellor on Political Affairs to the Governor, played down the perceived threat posed by the SDP in Zone 3 of Kaduna State. He said recent defections to the APC are a testament to the party’s people-centric policies at both state and national levels.
“APC’s inclusive structure continues to draw support from across the region,” Audu stated.
Echoing similar sentiments, Dr. Abdulmalik Durungwa emphasized the importance of deepening grassroots engagement, calling on members to make the party more visible and impactful at the community level.
Meanwhile, the National Secretary of the Renewed Hope Consolidation Mandate, Professor Dogara Matoh, urged party members to remain united and avoid divisive politics rooted in religion, ethnicity, or regionalism, especially as the 2027 elections draw nearer.
Highlighting the role of grassroots politicians, Mr. Rijo Shekari described local appointees—councilors and local government chairmen—as critical links between government and the people.
He urged them to constantly engage their constituents on government policies and developmental initiatives.
Engineer Joseph Chiroma advised party faithful to stay aligned with the party’s internal structures to avert internal conflicts. He also commended Elder Anthony Hassan for laying the groundwork for the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, calling it a landmark achievement for the grassroots.
The meeting concluded with a renewed call for unity and proactive political mobilization as the APC intensifies efforts to consolidate its presence across Southern Kaduna.
The story with the caption, 25 Persons Killed, Scores Injured As Armed Herdsmen Attack Enugu Village is not only built on devious masturbatory hallucination, but completely false.
Agreed that lately marauding herdsmen have been running amok across the Country, invading towns and villages, and leaving a trail of sorrow, tears and blood in their path. However, there was no such invaders attack on the agrarian communities of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area in Enugu State that left 25 persons dead.
This independent rebuttal of the falsehood targeted at diminishing the halcyon strides of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and the Enugu State Government in the area of Security is long overdue. We MUST not suffer ‘alarmists and fifth Columnists’ gladly. We have therefore chosen to debunk the devious falsehood of tale-mongers and bearers of false report and fake news.
Twice the false tale of marauding Herdsmen sacking communities in Enugu State have been bandied by those who are desperate to undermine the success of Enugu State in protecting lives and property. Not having any scores against the Enugu State Government in areas of Infrastructural Development, Education, Healthcare, Agriculture, and regarding facts about the profound strides of the Enugu State Government, naysayers have resorted to the Politricks Of Insecurity. They have chosen to hype isolated incidents and falsely alarm lovers of the State, Ndi’Enugu and Nigerians.
We, the Concerned Professionals For Good Governance (A Good Leadership Advocacy Group) upon seeing the news that has since gone viral regarding 25 Persons allegedly mowed down by Herdsmen in Enugu State proceeded to verify the news. We reached out to local Vigilantes, to Security Agencies as well as Agents of Government at the State and the Local Government level, sadly we found out that it was untrue. And we decided to query the possible reasons cum intention of the bearers of the false report and the fake news.
Enugu State has a premium time Digitalised Security Control Centre. Enugu State collaborates seamlessly with the Police, the Army and other Para-Military Agencies charged with the protection of lives and property. Enugu State is doing profoundly well in almost all the sectors of leadership, and Enugu State has become the go-to location for Corporate, Public Sector and Private Sector retreats and Conventions as well as Governmental events. It has become the shinning example in good governance. But Enugu State has also clearly become the envy of other States, such that Politicians seeking to diminish the laudable feats of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and His Team have resorted to the Politricks of fear-mongering and insecurity, but we shall not fold our hands and allow falsehood to stick.
Enugu State is arguably the safest State in the entire South, thanks to the commitment of the Enugu State to the protection of lives and property. This Truism have been attested to by Nigerians of different tendencies including friends and even members of Parties in the opposition in Enugu State. The commitment of the ebullient Governor of Enugu State to security is Olympic and indisputable, and not only is the State Government supportive of Security outfits with funding, the State has in place a Public and a Private Sector fueled fund to support Security Agencies in the furtherance of the Security of the State.
We can say without equivocation that Enugu State is safe and is deservedly emerging a preferred destination for investments, business, tourism, and living. It is proudly emerging a conferencing capital, ready and able to host tier one events such as the forthcoming NBA conference and Nigerian Guild of Editors Conference, among others. Ndi’Enugu are hospitable and willing to play host to legitimate institutions, as the State government in partnership with all available Security Agencies work seamlessly to guarantee peace and security in Enugu State.
We urge and encourage the media to always verify and validate information particularly issues bothering on Security before publication. That way, fake news on matters of Security will be shibboleth. And that way the Politricks Of Insecurity would cease to oil the frontiers of devious politics.
Enugu State is safe and will remain so, as the government is unalterably committed to the protection of lives and property.
Okechukwu Nwafor
Concerned Professionals For Good Governance. (A Good Leadership Advocacy Group).