Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago of Niger State has urged the Fulani community to work closely with law enforcement to combat rising violence, noting that criminal acts by rogue individuals are tarnishing the group’s standing. During a meeting in Minna on July 18th, the governor stated that victims frequently identify their captors as Fulani, which fosters widespread resentment. He challenged the community to encourage their kin in the forests to cease hostilities and rejoin society, warning that they could face responsibility if these criminal activities continue unchecked.
Furthermore, Bago criticized the community for failing to report armed outsiders who infiltrate their areas to cause trouble. He emphasized that the long-standing peaceful coexistence is being undermined by this silence. The governor also addressed local Islamic clerics, requesting that they avoid provocative public debates. He warned that the Niger State government is prepared to close any mosques that propagate hate speech or incite public unrest, as these measures are essential to restoring safety and harmony throughout the state.
