The Emir of Zazzau, Nuhu Bamali, has called on Nigerians to stop unfairly associating the entire Fulani ethnic group with acts of banditry, violence, and abduction.
He stressed that such generalizations misrepresent the true values and culture of the Fulani people, urging the public not to let the actions of a few “bad eggs” define the whole community.
Speaking on October 12 at a cultural event organized by the Fulani Development and Cultural Organisation (FUDECO), Bamali addressed growing concerns linking Fulani herdsmen to violent activities. He clarified that these accusations do not align with Fulani traditions, which promote peace and a harmonious way of life.
“A true Fulani man is expected to carry a stick and a cutlass to care for his animals, not weapons like AK-47s,” the Emir said, underlining that the violent behavior attributed to some individuals is a deviation from Fulani cultural norms. “Carrying an AK-47 is not part of the core values of a Fulani man. A Fulani man is expected to carry his stick and cutlass to cut grass for his animals, but definitely not to kill or maim people.”
Emir Bamali also praised the contributions of the Fulani to education and enlightenment, asserting their prominence in Nigeria’s intellectual landscape. “Fulanis are very enlightened people, very well educated. The best educated people in this country, I believe, are the Fulanis; I am not being biased,” he said.
He encouraged members of the Fulani community to continue upholding their cultural values and take pride in their heritage. “I am very, very proud to be a Fulani man. All my ancestors, left and right, were Fulanis. So there is no way I will not be proud of my heritage, my culture, and everything,” Bamali remarked.
The Emir emphasized the importance of events like the FUDECO forum, which brought together participants from across Nigeria and neighboring countries. He noted that such gatherings are crucial in dispelling misconceptions about the Fulani and promoting their true identity.
“Our prayer is that all the nonsense going on about banditry and other things would stop. The bad eggs we have in every tribe in this country need to stop that rascality,” Bamali concluded, expressing hope for an end to the negative stereotypes surrounding the Fulani community.
