Warn Your Children to Quit Kidnapping- Niger Governor Tells Fulani Leaders, Parents

Beatrice Gondyi

Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago has told Fulani leaders in Niger State that they must warn their children involved in banditry to stop, or face the consequences of public anger against their community.

The governor spoke during a meeting with community members in Minna, where he addressed the growing frustration over kidnappings across the state.

He said victims of abduction almost always point fingers at Fulanis when they regain their freedom, and that this has created deep resentment.

“My relatives, I will not be afraid of you; I had better tell you this. Whoever gets kidnapped in the bush and is later released will say it was Fulanis who kidnapped him.”

He said it is unreasonable to expect people to pay ransom and still feel no bitterness toward those they believe are responsible.

“There is no way people can be kidnapped and made to pay ransom without expecting them to be angry with you. People are angry with Fulanis.”

Bago assured Fulani residents that nobody is stopping them from grazing cattle, going to school, or living peacefully. However, he warned that leaders who know their young men are committing crimes and remain silent will not escape blame.

“No one is stopping you from grazing, going to school, or staying peacefully, yet you know your children are doing bad things to people. Even if they are not caught, you will eventually face the consequences.”

The governor urged Fulani elders to call on their kinsmen hiding in the bush to return home and embrace peace. He also criticised those who see armed strangers passing through their communities but fail to alert security agencies, saying such silence fuels suspicion against innocent Fulanis.

He called on the leaders to cooperate with traditional rulers and security forces to identify and remove criminals from their midst.

Contrary to viral social media claims, Bago did not order the removal of Fulani district heads. Fact-checking organisations including Daily Trust and Dubawa have confirmed that the governor instead called for better representation of Fulani communities within the emirate system.

The governor also cautioned Islamic clerics against delivering sermons that could inflame tensions, and appealed to all residents to prioritise peaceful coexistence.