Former Kaduna State senator Shehu Sani has expressed deep concern over the growing perception of Fulani people as criminals, citing the devastating consequences of banditry across Northern Nigeria.
He made the remarks while addressing a group of university students from the region at his residence.
According to Sani, many of those involved in banditry are young people, mostly between the ages of 17 and their early 30s.
He described their actions as “very brutal,” noting that they engage in rape, arson, attacks on religious institutions, extortion, and harassment of innocent commuters and farmers.
“They rape women. They burn down houses. They attack churches, attack mosques, attack commuters, extort money from farmers,” he said. “Farmers have to pay fines and taxes just to go to their farms.”
He lamented the toll such activities have taken on the northern economy, particularly agriculture, education, and small businesses.
“Their activities have destroyed agriculture in the northern part of Nigeria. Their activities have destroyed catering. Their activities have destroyed education. Many schools are now closed,” Sani added.
The former senator, urged educated Fulani youth to take a stand against criminality within their communities.
He stressed that the consequences of years of banditry have only brought suffering and a damaged reputation to the Fulani people.
“You have a duty and responsibility as educated Fulanis — of which we are two here — to reach out to your people and tell them that crime does not pay,” he said.
“Ten to fifteen years of banditry has not produced one billionaire among the bandits. It has destroyed the lives of Fulani people. It has even destroyed our image and reputation.”
Sani also warned that the broader Fulani community is now facing widespread suspicion and discrimination due to the actions of a few.
“Because of the criminality of these bandits — who are mostly Fulani — every Fulani man is now being seen as a bandit,” he said.
“Today, someone might look at your face and assume you are a bandit simply because of your ethnic group.”
Highlighting the positive contributions of Fulani professionals in Nigeria, Sani mentioned that there are Fulani doctors, engineers, architects, professors, and businessmen whose image is being unfairly tainted.
“How does that help us?” he asked rhetorically. “Your mission is very important — for the peace, unity, progress, and security of Nigeria.”
Sani concluded by urging the students not to take their responsibility lightly, saying the peaceful nature of Northern Nigeria in the past must be restored.