Nigeria is a country of many wonders. It is hard to understand how cattle appears to be worth more than human life. The Fulani herdsmen who traverse Nigerian roads are now turning into what can be described as emerging potent threat to the peaceful co-existence of Nigerian state. The Fulani herdsmen has taken it upon themselves to kill and maim any person, group or community who questions their right to trespass or graze their cattle on private farmlands or property. They have killed countless number of Asatu residence in Benue state, countless number in Plateau state, quite a lot across western states and over 40 people killed recently at Enugu in the southeastern part of Nigeria. Nigerians have right to maintain and protect their properties. It appears that the Fulani herdsmen are trying to intimidate any group or community who questions their illegal right to graze on private property. Herdsmen indiscriminate killings of other Nigerians are getting out of hand and the worst part is that the federal government have not taken any decisive action.
It is important to note that every Nigerian including Fulani herdsmen have right to move, work and live in any part of the country. The Fulani herdsman have right to rear their cattle along public roads which they have been doing for years but not in private farmlands or property. The wanton destruction of life and property by the herdsmen have raised public awareness and anger around the country especially in the Southern states of Nigeria. There are now threat of reprisal by paramilitary groups in the Southern parts of Nigeria which will in turn pose another problem for southerners living in the northern parts of Nigeria. Nigerians might end up with ethnic warfare and killings around the country which can threaten the unity of Nigeria.
Nigerian government need to step up and formulate viable policy so the herdsmen will understand what is permitted under the law and what is not permitted. They should be vigorous prosecution of anybody that takes the law into their hand by killing or threatening other Nigerians. No Nigerian must be allowed to kill another Nigerian for any reason. Nigerian courts are there to adjudicate and protect the right of all Nigerians. Vigilante justice by any group cannot be tolerated.
The issue of the Fulani herdsmen deserves urgent attention by the federal government. It is an issue that President Buhari is in a better position to handle since he is familiar with the history and mindset of these people. Meanwhile, Nigerian government must start arresting, jailing and prosecuting the people involved in this senseless killings and mayhem around the country. It is the only way to convince other Nigerians that Fulani herdsmen are not receiving special treatment from the federal government. It is just curious that mass arrest and prosecution of these killers have not taken place so far. Vigilante and criminal groups around the country will soon use the activities of the herdsmen as a reason to resuscitate their dying organization. Fulani herdsmen contribute to the growth of Nigerian economy by rearing and selling their cattles, thus ensuring along with other meat farmers that Nigerians have adequate meat supply.