The Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria has called on international actors, including the United States, to avoid portraying the Fulani ethnic group as the primary driver of insecurity in Nigeria, warning that such narratives could worsen ethnic tensions and deepen mistrust across communities.
The group made the appeal in a statement signed by Ibrahim Barkindo Chubado, where it criticised what it described as inconsistent external reporting on Nigeria’s security challenges and rejected attempts to generalise criminal activity to an entire ethnic group.
Group Faults External Security Narratives
According to the statement, recent international commentary and reports linking Fulani communities to widespread violence and banditry were misleading and dangerous.
The group argued that earlier assessments had cautioned against ethnic profiling, insisting that newer narratives appeared to contradict those positions and risk inflaming divisions.
It also referenced past national debates during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, when Fulani identity was frequently associated with insecurity discussions, noting that such framing allegedly led to attacks on settlements and loss of property in some communities.
Claims of Historical and Regional Context
The group maintained that many Fulani families in states such as Benue, Plateau, and Taraba have lived in those areas for generations and should not be treated as outsiders or automatically linked to criminal activity.
It stressed that conflicts involving herders and farmers are often driven by complex factors, including land use disputes, environmental pressures, and local political tensions, rather than ethnicity alone.
The statement also dismissed reports attributed to international organisations that allegedly referenced “Fulani militants,” describing such claims as unfair stereotyping that could escalate existing tensions.
Insecurity Not Linked to One Group, Says Statement
The group insisted that Nigeria’s insecurity landscape is multi-layered and involves different actors, including bandit groups, terrorist organisations, separatist movements, and communal clashes across various regions.
It argued that no single ethnic or religious group should be held responsible for the country’s broader security challenges.
Call for Responsible Reporting and Unity
The statement urged international partners and Nigerian authorities to prioritise evidence-based reporting and avoid narratives that could undermine national cohesion.
It warned that ethnic scapegoating and divisive framing would only deepen mistrust at a time when stronger unity is needed to address insecurity.
The group concluded that Nigeria’s stability depends on fairness in reporting and a collective commitment to national integration rather than ethnic blame.