Fulani People Are The Biggest Victims Of Kidnapping In Nigeria — Kebbi Governor, Bagudu

Atiku Bagudu, the governor of Kebbi State, has stated that Fulani people are the main victims of kidnapping and cattle rustling in Nigeria.

The governor claimed that Fulani people are peaceful and only trying to make a life, but that Nigerians do not hear their stories, accusing them of being involved in the country’s misdeeds.

Bagudu said in an interview with Channels Television on Thursday that people don’t normally hear about Fulani people who are kidnapped or have their cattle stolen.

Fulani herders have been accused of being involved in attacks that result in abductions in recent years, causing ethnic tensions, but the Fulani have consistently denied masterminding such operations.

Most Nigerians, according to the governor of Kebbi, do not hear the Fulani people’s side before assigning violent acts to them, noting that kidnappers can be Fulani or non-Fulani.

“I have met with many Fulani communities in my state, who explained that they are also victims. They are the first victims of kidnapping and castle rustling,” he said.

“It is easier for a drunk child, someone who is abusing drugs, to go to the community where there is no road, no police, no infrastructure to kidnap his cousin or sister and demand cattle to be sold, for him to be given money.

“They are the major victims of kidnapping and then the wider kidnapping that is conducted by other Fulanis and non-Fulanis, who have come to form criminal gangs.

“Equally, cattle rustling is an activity that is against people who move cattle or who own cattle. A lot of Fulani are naturally victims and they are pauperised by it.

“We don’t even hear their stories. We don’t hear their side. We just think they are complicit. They are not. Majority of them are peaceful and decent people, seeking to make a living,” Bagudu said.