Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has called on Nigerians to learn to live peacefully with Fulani herdsmen, emphasizing that they are an integral part of the country.
In a viral video shared on social media, Gumi stressed that the herdsmen cannot be driven away, just as they cannot drive others out, and should not be regarded as enemies. He warned that turning them into adversaries could bring serious consequences for the nation.
“They are going nowhere. They are part of us, and we are part of them. We must learn to live together and should never become enemies with them,” Gumi said.
He further cautioned that “your real enemy will use your neighbour against you, and nobody knows your secrets more than your neighbour. He knows when you come back and when you go out. So we should never allow herdsmen to be our enemies.”
Clashes between herders and farmers have plagued Nigeria for over a decade, resulting in hundreds of fatalities. In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima to work with the National Executive Council (NEC) to identify grazing reserves that can be converted into livestock settlements.
During a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, Tinubu emphasized the importance of ranching as a sustainable approach to livestock farming and a means to promote national harmony. He also called on all herder associations to cooperate with the Livestock Ministry and cease open grazing, surrendering illegal weapons.
The initiative aims to reduce conflicts between farmers and herders while fostering peaceful coexistence across communities.
Do you think the new FG directive will help reduce farmer-herder clashes, and how can communities live together peacefully for national unity?
