Kautal Pulaako: Fulani Not Bandits, Ethnic Stereotyping Must Stop
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Kautal Pulaako Fulbe Association of Nigeria (KPFAN) has strongly condemned the persistent profiling of Fulani people as bandits, describing it as unjust and harmful to national unity.
The National President of the Association, Alhaji Muhammad Hussaini, stated this during the inauguration of the National Executive Council and official launching ceremony of the Association held on Sunday.
Hussaini said it is wrong to associate an entire ethnic group with crime simply because of the actions of a few individuals, stressing that every offender should be held accountable in their personal capacity.
“Fulani are not bandits. Whoever commits an offence should be arrested and prosecuted as an individual, not as a Fulani. We must stop labeling an entire tribe for the wrongs of one person,” he declared.
He also called on Fulani parents to prioritize education, describing it as the bedrock of peaceful coexistence and community development.
According to him, ignorance and illiteracy often create misconceptions that fuel discrimination and conflict.
In his remarks, Sen. Shehu Buba, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, appealed to members of the Association to reject violence and division within their ranks, emphasizing that unity and peace are key to correcting false narratives about the Fulani people.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Governor Bala Mohammed, Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau reiterated that the Bauchi State Government remains committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all citizens, including Fulani communities.
“Our administration will never tolerate any form of discrimination or humiliation of Fulani people. We have consistently defended their rights and supported their inclusion in government,” Jatau said.
He added that the state government continues to mediate between herders and farmers to promote lasting peace while ensuring that cattle routes and grazing areas remain secure.
The Deputy Governor also assured that more grazing reserves and water dams would be established to support the welfare of herders and their livestock.
The event brought together Fulani leaders, traditional rulers, and government representatives from across the country, all calling for peaceful coexistence and an end to ethnic stigmatization.
