Nigeria is currently facing a crisis of epic proportions—one that has left countless families in mourning, entire communities in ruins, and a nation grappling with deep-seated questions about justice and equity. At the heart of this crisis is the persistent violence attributed to Fulani herdsmen, whose activities have resulted in widespread bloodshed, destruction, and displacement. The scale of these atrocities is staggering, yet an eerie silence from the authorities and a lack of meaningful action have only fueled anger and frustration among ordinary Nigerians.
The statistics paint a grim picture. Benue State has witnessed mass burials on multiple occasions, with entire villages wiped out overnight. Other states—Enugu, Kogi, Kaduna, Taraba, Uyo, Adamawa, and Abia—have suffered similar fates. Reports of killings, rapes, and the burning of homes and crops have become all too common, pushing thousands of innocent people from their ancestral lands into refugee camps and unfamiliar territories.
But despite the overwhelming evidence of these heinous crimes, justice remains elusive. There have been no significant arrests, no meaningful prosecutions, and no real effort to dismantle the networks that enable these attacks. Instead, the silence from the Nigerian government and security agencies is deafening.
Perhaps the most perplexing and infuriating aspect of this crisis is the apparent indifference from the very institutions tasked with ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians. When other forms of crime occur, the Nigerian police, the military, and other security agencies are often quick to launch investigations, arrest suspects, and parade them before the media. But in the case of Fulani herdsmen, the response has been markedly different.
Even when communities cry out for help, pleading with the government to intervene, the reaction is often slow, ineffective, or completely absent. Security forces are sometimes accused of either looking the other way or, worse, enabling the perpetrators through inaction or complicity. The result is a dangerous precedent—one that suggests that certain groups can act with impunity while others face the full weight of the law for lesser infractions.
The impact of this selective justice is devastating. It not only emboldens those who commit these crimes but also erodes public trust in the government and security institutions. When citizens begin to feel that the state has abandoned them, they may be forced to seek alternative means of protecting themselves, potentially leading to a cycle of revenge attacks and escalating violence.
One of the most glaring contradictions in Nigeria’s response to violence is the disparity in public outcry depending on who the victims and perpetrators are. A recent incident, in which sixteen Fulani herdsmen were captured and killed, sparked an immediate and intense reaction. Government officials, media houses, and prominent figures swiftly condemned the act, calling for justice and retribution.
While every loss of human life should be mourned and condemned, the question remains: where was this outcry when thousands of Nigerians were being slaughtered by Fulani herdsmen? Where was the swift response when innocent men, women, and children were massacred in their own homes?
The lack of proportional outrage suggests a troubling reality—that some lives in Nigeria are valued more than others. It exposes deep-seated biases that continue to plague the country, reinforcing the notion that justice is not truly blind but instead influenced by ethnicity, religion, and political interests.
To fully understand the Fulani conundrum, it is essential to examine the underlying factors that contribute to this crisis. The violence linked to Fulani herdsmen is often attributed to conflicts over land, resources, and historical grievances. As herders move in search of grazing land for their cattle, they frequently encroach on farmlands, leading to clashes with local farmers.
However, while these tensions are not new, the level of violence and impunity associated with Fulani attacks in recent years is unprecedented. Several factors have exacerbated the crisis, including:
1. Weak Law Enforcement – The failure to arrest and prosecute perpetrators has created a culture of impunity, where attackers feel emboldened to strike repeatedly without fear of consequences.
2. Political Influence – Some analysts suggest that powerful individuals within the political and security establishment may be shielding or enabling these herdsmen for personal or ideological reasons.
3. Religious and Ethnic Bias – The inability to hold Fulani herdsmen accountable raises concerns about whether certain groups are being protected due to their ethnic or religious affiliation.
4. Failure to Address Root Causes – Climate change, desertification, and population growth have increased competition for land and water, yet the government has done little to develop policies that could reduce these tensions.
Nigeria cannot afford to continue down this dangerous path. The unchecked violence, the failure of justice, and the apparent bias in government responses are pushing the country toward deeper instability. If Nigeria is to move forward, certain steps must be taken immediately:
1. Swift and Impartial Justice
The government must demonstrate that it is serious about tackling this crisis by ensuring that all perpetrators—regardless of their ethnicity or background—are held accountable. Arrests, prosecutions, and severe punishments must be carried out for those responsible for these attacks.
2. Stronger Security Measures
Communities at risk must be better protected. This includes deploying security forces to vulnerable areas, improving intelligence gathering, and ensuring that security agencies act without bias or favoritism.
3.National Dialogue and Conflict Resolution.
As we reflect on the ongoing crisis caused by Fulani herdsmen, it is essential to remember that the fight for justice and equality is a collective one. The lives of all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnicity or background, are valuable. It is time for the government to stop turning a blind eye to the suffering of its citizens and take meaningful steps to address the violence and impunity that has plagued the nation for far too long.
Let us demand justice for the thousands of Nigerians who have been killed, displaced, and traumatized by these senseless attacks. Let us call for an end to the culture of impunity that has allowed these crimes to continue unchecked. It is time to stand together, united as Nigerians, and demand a better future for all. Only then can we hope to see an end to the Fulani conundrum and the restoration of peace, dignity, and justice for every citizen.
Written By Benedict U. Ejembi
