Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has decried the rising stigmatization of the Fulani ethnic group, blaming it on the prolonged reign of banditry in Northern Nigeria.
Speaking at his residence while addressing a delegation of university students from the region, Sani warned that the involvement of many young Fulani men in violent crimes has fueled a dangerous stereotype that casts all Fulani people as criminals.
“Their actions have devastated our society. They rape women, burn down houses, attack churches, mosques, and commuters. Farmers are extorted and forced to pay to access their own land,” he said.
He noted that the consequences of these criminal acts have been far-reaching, crippling agriculture, education, and small businesses across the region.
“Farming has been destroyed. Catering businesses are gone. Many schools have shut down. Banditry has robbed Northern Nigeria of its economic backbone,” he lamented.
The former senator called on educated Fulani youth to take an active role in reshaping the narrative and dissuading their peers from engaging in criminal acts.
“You have a duty and responsibility as educated Fulanis to reach out to your people and tell them crime does not pay,” Sani said. “After 10 to 15 years of banditry, there is not a single billionaire among them. Instead, it has only brought suffering and tarnished our collective image.”
He stressed that the actions of a few criminal elements have cast a shadow over the entire ethnic group, leading to suspicion, discrimination, and mistrust.
“Today, someone can look at your face and assume you’re a bandit just because you’re Fulani. This is unfair, and it must change,” he stated.
Highlighting the significant contributions of Fulani professionals to the nation, Sani said it was disheartening to see their image tainted by the actions of bandits.
“There are Fulani doctors, engineers, architects, professors, and businesspeople. How does associating the entire tribe with crime help us?” he asked.
Sani concluded by urging the students to become ambassadors of peace, truth, and positive change in their communities.
“You must help change the narrative. Restore our dignity. Restore peace in the North,” he charged.
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