How seriously is the federal government addressing the wanton killings by Fulani herdsmen? No one can give a definite answer till this ravaging menace spreads its tentacles throughout Nigeria- North, West, East, and South.
But what do Fulani herdsmen have to do with guns? And why do they kill Nigerians? Of course, there must be a why since the Nigerian government over the years has associated itself with amnesty, pleading with and trying to see reasons with terrorists. Nigeria can even pass for being a terrorist haven- where terrorists, instead of being prosecuted, are pleaded with, pampered, and reasoned with. They are invited for peace dialogues. But even peace dialogues would seem to be a fair thing, only that the government waits till thousands are massacred before they make the moves.
Could anyone think up a reason why Fulani herdsmen need guns? Any type of guns? Are herdsmen hunters? Have they not always been satisfied with their long canes straddled across their neck and shoulders whilst they lead their cattle to pasture? In Nigeria, the definition of a herdsman has taken another meaning. Not even lions and bears have reached a quarter of the number of human lives wasted by these terrorists in herdsmen clothing. In ten months, close to a thousand lives have been wasted in Nigeria by herdsmen.
Up until now, the President has refused to address this matter. This cold silence is disturbing and the people want to know why Mr. President has kept silent over the bloodshed by these Fulani terrorists. The people are disturbed. These killings have spread across Nigeria. Why would Fulani herdsmen in hundreds attack villages, burn down houses, destroy farmland, kill people, rape women and kidnap others? Are the people a threat to their cattle?
If we understand these questions, it will be evident that the Fulani herdsmen are no herdsmen at all. They are ravaging killers in herdsmen clothing on a mission to bring the nation grovelling at their feet. If we do not stop them now like a tree that can be uprooted at an early stage, their roots will grow deep to a level that will not be uprooted. Their plan is grand; the Boko Haram sect was a visible threat that ravaged and sadly are still ravaging mostly the North. But these Fulani sects have challenged all the zones in the country- Taraba, Ondo, Kaduna, Oyo, Ogun, Imo, Delta, Benue, Nassarawa, and Enugu States, and the authorities are not doing anything about it.
Poor nation! The people were fooled into believing the authorities- the renowned Nigerian Army even with the aid of armies from other countries could do nothing about the Boko Haram sect. But are the authorities now scared of herdsmen? This is another question to understand.