The Fulani youth leaders from across Nigeria have declared a collective stance of zero tolerance for banditry and other criminal activities often associated with their ethnic group.
This declaration was made during the Fulbe Unity Concert 2025, held on Monday in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
The event, organised by the Nigerian Concerned Fulani Youths, brought together Fulani youth representatives from the 36 states of Nigeria, the Federal Capital Territory, and delegates from neighbouring countries including Ghana, Cameroon, Niger Republic, and Benin Republic.
Representing the National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore (MACBAN), Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, the North East Zonal Chairman, Ibrahim Adamu, urged Fulani youths to shun violence, banditry, and drug abuse.
“We are here today not just to celebrate unity, but to enlighten our youths on how to avoid crime and embrace peace,”; Adamu said.
“The association will not support any Fulani youth found fomenting trouble. If you are arrested, you will face the consequences alone. We do not condone criminality.”;
Adamu emphasised that peace is essential for development.
“There cannot be any meaningful development in an atmosphere of rancour. We urge our youths to steer clear of violence and focus on acquiring relevant skills.”;
Chairman of the occasion, Auwal Abdullahi-Aliyu, while addressing journalists after the event said, “The Fulani clan, most especially the youths, have long been stigmatised with everything that has to do with insecurity. That is why the youths decided to come together to discuss the challenges and also find solutions,”; he said.
Abdullahi-Aliyu added that integration with other ethnic groups and national development were central goals of the initiative.
“We are loyal and committed Nigerians. We love this country and we will continue to work towards its unity and development. So, I want to urge other citizens to collaborate with us.”;
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mohammed Tasiu, said the event was organised to confront the negative stereotypes about Fulani people and promote youth empowerment.
“The Fulani have been wrongly accused of being the root of insecurity. This is largely because our youths focused on herding cattle rather than acquiring other trades,”; Tasiu explained. “But now, we want each of them to learn a skill and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.”;
Also present were officers from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who held a sensitisation session on the dangers of drug abuse.
