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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has commended the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, for what it described as his courageous and forthright call on Fulani leaders to take responsibility by prevailing on criminal elements within their communities to abandon kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, the Forum said Governor Bago’s position demonstrated leadership and reflected the concerns of millions of Nigerians who have continued to suffer the devastating effects of insecurity.
According to NOSCEF, the governor’s remarks should not be interpreted as an attack on the Fulani ethnic group but as “a sincere appeal for responsible community leadership and collective responsibility in addressing the growing insecurity that has devastated families, displaced communities, crippled farming activities, and undermined peaceful coexistence across Niger State and the wider northern region.”
The Forum stated that Governor Bago had “spoken the minds of millions of law-abiding Nigerians who have endured the trauma of kidnappings for ransom and violent attacks.”
“It is a painful reality that many victims of abduction have consistently identified their captors as Fulani-speaking armed groups,” the statement said.
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However, NOSCEF cautioned against generalizing the actions of criminals to the entire Fulani ethnic group.
“While it would be wrong and unjust to label every Fulani person a criminal, it is equally wrong for community leaders to remain silent when criminal elements continue to exploit ethnic identity as a shield for their atrocities,” the Forum said.
The Christian elders praised Governor Bago for drawing a clear distinction between innocent citizens and criminals.
“We commend Governor Bago for distinguishing between peaceful, law-abiding Fulani citizens and criminals hiding within communities. His appeal for Fulani traditional rulers, elders, and opinion leaders to cooperate with security agencies by identifying and exposing criminals is both responsible and necessary,” NOSCEF stated.
It added that, “Every community has a duty to reject criminality regardless of the ethnicity or religion of those involved.”
The Forum also welcomed the governor’s appeal for religious harmony, describing it as a demonstration of responsible leadership.
Reaffirming its commitment to national unity, the Christian body stressed that lasting peace could only be achieved through collective action and mutual trust.
