Tension Rises as Fulani Herders Reportedly Leave Southern Communities

Tension Rises as Fulani Herders Reportedly Leave Southern Communities

A growing number of Fulani settlers and herders are reportedly leaving parts of southern Nigeria amid rising tensions, worsening insecurity, and allegations of ethnic profiling and targeted hostility in some communities.

Investigations and field reports indicate that some Fulani families in parts of the South-West and South-East have either relocated voluntarily or been forced to move from areas where they have lived for decades, following suspicions linking some individuals to crimes such as kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism-related violence.

Sources say the movement has been gradual but increasingly noticeable in rural communities, where pastoral families are reportedly abandoning long-standing settlements. In some cases, herders are said to be relocating livestock toward northern Nigeria or moving to neighbouring West African countries perceived as safer for grazing activities.

The development comes amid heightened insecurity in several parts of the country, where killings, abductions, and rural violence have fueled mistrust between farming communities and migrant herders.

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has denied claims that its members are widely involved in criminal activities, insisting that many innocent herders are becoming victims of ethnic profiling, displacement, and attacks.

The South-West Chairman of MACBAN and Sarkin Fulani of Abeokuta, Alhaji Muhammad Labar, confirmed that some members had already left the region due to fear and insecurity.

He said: “Some of our members have already left the South-West. They relocated to places where they believe they will be safer and more comfortable. There is fear within the Fulani community because of the way criminality is increasingly being linked to our people.”

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Labar added that Fulani settlers have lived peacefully in the region for generations and contribute significantly to the economy through cattle rearing and livestock trade.

MACBAN stressed that it continues to advocate for peaceful coexistence between Fulani herders and host communities, urging members not to engage in actions that could escalate tensions.

The association also stated that it has consistently worked with security agencies to identify and expose criminal elements within rural communities.

“We have always maintained that anybody found wanting should face the law. We will never allow the image of the Fulani community to be dragged into criminality,” Labar said.

Further findings indicate that Fulani herders in parts of the South-East are also facing growing insecurity, including reported killings, cattle rustling, and forced displacement in some communities.

The Deputy Director-General of MACBAN overseeing the South-East and South-South zones, Gidado Siddiki, alleged that several pastoralists were killed between November 2025 and May 2026 in parts of Enugu State, including Uzo-Uwani, Nkanu East, Enugu East, and Igbo-Etiti Local Government Areas.

He also claimed that dozens of cattle were killed or stolen in separate incidents and expressed concern that reports made to security agencies had not yielded adequate results.

Siddiki further alleged that Fulani settlers were displaced in some communities in Ebonyi State, despite mediation efforts involving security agencies.

While MACBAN officials described parts of Abia State as relatively calm, they said pastoralists in some areas still face restrictions and discrimination.

In Anambra State, they noted some improvement in security following government interventions, although isolated incidents of violence against herders were still reported.

Some residents in affected communities continue to express concern over rising insecurity, particularly kidnapping, armed attacks, and destruction of farmlands linked to rural violence.

A Fulani resident in Osun State, speaking anonymously, said many Fulani families in southern Nigeria were born and raised in their host communities and should not be collectively blamed for criminal acts.

He also said many herders cooperate with security agencies by sharing intelligence and monitoring newcomers within their communities.

Stakeholders and security analysts have called for renewed dialogue between farmers and herders, improved rural security, and stronger conflict resolution mechanisms to address rising tensions.

They warn that continued farmer–herder conflicts, if not properly managed, could deepen mistrust, increase displacement, and worsen insecurity across several states.

Authorities have yet to confirm a coordinated or mass exit of Fulani settlers from southern Nigeria.

Tension Rises as Fulani Herders Reportedly Leave Southern Communities