Former Kaduna State senator, Shehu Sani, has voiced concern over the growing perception of Fulani people as criminals, attributing the trend to the ongoing banditry crisis plaguing Northern Nigeria.
Sani warned that the criminal activities of bandits, who are predominantly young Fulani men, have led to widespread suspicion and discrimination against the entire ethnic group.
Speaking at his residence while addressing a group of university students from the region, Sani condemned the brutality of banditry and its devastating impact on the northern economy.
“They rape women. They burn down houses. They attack churches, attack mosques, attack commuters, extort money from farmers,” he said.
“Farmers have to pay fines and taxes just to go to their farms.”
The former senator emphasized that banditry has crippled critical sectors including agriculture, education, and small businesses in the region.
“Their activities have destroyed agriculture in the northern part of Nigeria. Their activities have destroyed catering. Their activities have destroyed education. Many schools are now closed,” he noted.
Sani urged educated Fulani youth to engage more deeply with their communities to discourage criminal activity, stressing that banditry has brought more suffering than prosperity.
“You have a duty and responsibility as educated Fulanis—of which we are two here—to reach out to your people and tell them that crime does not pay,” he said.
“Ten to fifteen years of banditry has not produced one billionaire among the bandits. It has destroyed the lives of Fulani people. It has even destroyed our image and reputation.”
He cautioned that the entire Fulani community is now viewed with suspicion due to the criminal actions of a minority.
“Because of the criminality of these bandits who are mostly Fulani, every Fulani man is now being seen as a bandit,” he added.
“Today, someone might look at your face and assume you are a bandit simply because of your ethnic group.”
Despite this, Sani pointed out that many Fulani professionals have made substantial contributions to Nigeria across various fields.
“There are Fulani doctors, engineers, architects, professors, and businessmen whose image is being unfairly tainted,” he said. “How does that help us?”
He concluded by urging the students to take on the responsibility of reshaping the narrative and playing active roles in restoring peace and unity in the region.