At the 2024 National Fulaaku event, held in Bauchi in observance of the International Day of Indigenous Peoples, representatives of Fulani communities made a heartfelt plea to the Nigerian government, urging stronger efforts to safeguard their interests and address the mounting challenges they face.
The PUNCH reported that the event, organized by the Fulani Development Cooperative, served as a platform for key stakeholders to voice their concerns and propose solutions.
In his address, the Guest Speaker, Barrister Sa’adu Sungai, delivered a detailed presentation on the plight of Fulani communities.
He emphasized that environmental factors such as desertification and land degradation have severely impacted grazing lands, undermining the livelihoods of many Fulani herders.
Sungai linked these environmental challenges to broader climate change issues, explaining that altered weather patterns are increasingly disrupting agriculture and livestock management across the region.
“The Fulani communities face numerous challenges, including environmental degradation, desertification, and land degradation, all of which affect grazing lands and livelihoods,” he stated.
Sungai further highlighted the violent conflicts that often erupt between Fulani herders and farming communities, as well as incidents of friction with security forces, adding that “The right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful living, as cited in the constitution, is paramount.”
Sungai also expressed concern over what he described as pervasive discrimination against Fulani people.
“Discrimination against Fulanis by some communities is disturbing,” he lamented, calling for greater societal awareness and unity.
Another prominent Fulani voice from Bauchi State, Aminu Tukur, echoed these concerns, particularly regarding security matters.
He urged law enforcement agencies, notably the police, to act swiftly in curbing the mistreatment of Fulani people.
“Fulanis are not terrorists, but rather Nigerians who deserve respect and protection,” Tukur asserted, challenging the negative stereotypes often associated with the community.
Chairman of FUDECO in Bauchi State, Aliyu Sambo, used his keynote address to appeal to government authorities at all levels to develop concrete measures aimed at alleviating the difficulties facing Fulani communities.
He encouraged his fellow Fulani to remain law-abiding citizens while also emphasizing the importance of education and knowledge acquisition to better adapt to global trends.
The National Fulaaku 2024 event not only highlighted the challenges Fulani communities endure but also served as a call to action for the Nigerian government and broader society to address these issues with urgency and fairness.
