Re: Fulani herdsmen’s battle with xenophobia

I would’ve said it’s because they are always shy, modest and unassuming but I would also be playing into stereotypes. Your story in Weekly Trust of July 5 captured the essence of my long-held notion and at the same time confirmed it.The Federal Government, unsurprisingly, isn’t batting an eyelid over the grave injustice meted out […]

I would’ve said it’s because they are always shy, modest and unassuming but I would also be playing into stereotypes. Your story in Weekly Trust of July 5 captured the essence of my long-held notion and at the same time confirmed it.
The Federal Government, unsurprisingly, isn’t batting an eyelid over the grave injustice meted out to Fulanis all over Nigeria, whether it is profiling or wrongful accusations for crimes not proven to be committed by them.
Whenever any violence breaks out, especially in Northern Nigeria, the first victims are Fulanis, their settlements razed and their cattle rustled, sometimes their women even raped. Almost immediately, the victims will cry out that ‘gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen’ did it. Haba! From victim to victimizer in one giant leap? I don’t think so.
I can understand if the Fulanis don’t want to practice ranching: It’s new and alien to them. They shouldn’t be forced to adapt, rather they should be shown the way gently, with campaigns designed to sensitize them of the benefits of modern approach to cattle rearing.
Finally, Nigerians should please keep an extra eye open on this issue, as robbers often operate wearing Fulani costumes that could be bought for cheap anywhere, really. Let’s try and understand them before we crucify them.
Emeka C. Okoye (emekacun-ningham@yahoo.