Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has called on Fulani community leaders to work closely with security agencies by identifying and exposing criminals hiding within their communities, warning that continued silence over kidnapping and banditry is fueling public anger.
Speaking in Hausa in a viral video, the governor urged Fulani leaders to convince those involved in criminal activities to abandon crime and return home.
“My relatives, I will not be afraid of you; I had better tell you this. Whoever gets kidnapped in the bush and is later released will say it was Fulanis who kidnapped him.
“So, you should warn your children who are in the bush to return so that we can live peacefully. There is no way people can be kidnapped and made to pay ransom without expecting them to be angry with you.”
Bago said many people have become frustrated with the persistent insecurity, insisting that innocent members of the Fulani community are also affected by the actions of criminal elements.
“People are angry with Fulanis. No one is stopping you from grazing, going to school, or staying peacefully, yet you know your children are doing bad things to people. Even if they are not caught, you will eventually face the consequences.”
The governor also alleged that some community members fail to report armed men entering the state, including those arriving from neighboring Zamfara State, and urged traditional and community leaders to stop shielding criminals.
In addition, Bago warned farmers against cultivating crops along government roads.
“Between the main government road and the power poles, if any farmer plants between the main road and the power poles, you should let the animals eat the crops and arrest the farmer.”
He also cautioned vigilante groups against taking the law into their own hands and directed traditional rulers to regulate religious preaching in their domains.
According to the governor, anyone using religious sermons to promote division among Muslims or between Muslims and Christians should be arrested.
“Even if they come to the Jum’at mosque to preach, arrest them. Whoever preaches to divide Muslims, or to divide Muslims and Christians, should be arrested, and we will take them to prison.”
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