The Emir of Zazzau, Nuhu Bamali, has made a bold statement regarding the Fulani people, arguing that they are among the most educated in Nigeria.
The monarch rejected the association of the Fulani ethnic group with armed violence.
Speaking at a cultural event organized by the Fulani Development and Cultural Organisation (FUDECO), Bamali addressed widespread accusations linking Fulani herders to banditry and violent crimes, which have fueled negative stereotypes.
In his remarks, the Emir emphasized that a “true Fulani man” does not carry weapons such as AK-47s.
He said, instead, the traditional Fulani herder carries a stick and a cutlass, tools for caring for their livestock, not for violence.
He stressed that the portrayal of Fulani people as violent is a distortion of their values and traditions.
“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 an AK-47, nor to kill or maim people,” the Emir said.
Bamali also took pride in the educational achievements of the Fulani people, stating that they are some of the best educated in the country.
He asserted that this excellence in education is an important aspect of the Fulani identity, countering the negative narratives often associated with the group.
He encouraged his people to continue upholding their cultural values and to be proud of their heritage, while also calling for an end to the misconceptions that have led to the demonization of the Fulani as a whole.
This statement comes at a time when the Fulani people have been at the centre of national discussions on insecurity in Nigeria, with many blaming Fulani herders for incidents of banditry and violence.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
