Hamisu Garba, a Fulani youth leader in Plateau State, has emphasized that any attempts by local residents to intimidate or expel them from the state will not succeed, as they are also citizens of the area.
In an exclusive interview, Hamisu stated that he and most Fulani individuals were born and raised in Plateau State. They are unfamiliar with any place other than this state, which makes them natives of Plateau according to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The constitution clearly states that a person can claim their state of origin based on where they were born.
Hamisu questioned why certain individuals were intensely focused on driving the Fulani community out of Plateau and made efforts towards their removal, emphasizing that any such attempts would be met with resistance.
"I, along with many other Fulani people, am also part of Plateau State. Efforts—or rather attempts—to intimidate, frustrate, and drive us out will not succeed," Hamisu stated.
I was born in Plateau State and hold an indigene form that is officially signed by both my district head and the local government chairman, establishing me as a bona fide citizen of Plateau State.
My parents were born in Plateau State, and all of my siblings grew up there after being born.
Throughout my entire life, I've resided in Plateau State and completed my primary, secondary, and university education there.
"The longest time I've spent away from Plateau was during my youth service in Enugu State. So, why would anyone question whether I'm truly from the state?"
If someone suggests that we should leave Plateau, where exactly are they expecting us to go? Is it wrong for us to be Fulanis? Why do some people consistently label us as criminals and troublemakers?
Yes, I agree that there are criminal elements within our community. However, as Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang mentioned previously, other tribes also have individuals involved in criminal activities.
Criminals can be found among the Mwaghavul, Berom, Tarok, Ngas, Irigwe, Mupun communities as well as the Fulani.
However, the focus seems to be solely on the Fulani, with all efforts directed toward demonizing and profiling us as criminals. While I acknowledge that some herders do engage in problematic behavior, it doesn't imply that everyone is involved in such activities.
I can confirm that many of the so-called bandits targeting certain communities in the state are not exclusively Fulani individuals.
Our investigations have revealed that some of the recruits are natives who receive payment.
You might find it concerning that some local residents receive as little as N20,000 to share information about their communities.
Are those people Fulani as well? We've lived in harmony for years. I grew up in our village, tending to our cattle and playing with neighbors. We visited each other during Christmas and Easter, they came over during Sallah, sharing meals together and playing football. Some of our older uncles and aunties even married into the local community.
We all lived in peace, but at some point—though I'm not sure when or where—the battle lines were drawn. Suddenly, the Fulani people became a targeted group that others believed needed to be eradicated and driven out of Plateau State.
"However, I must assert that this approach will not succeed. Absolutely no one can drive us out of Plateau State."
As youth leaders, we have been actively engaging with our community to promote understanding and peaceful living among all groups. We are strong advocates for coexistence and encourage other tribes to join us in these efforts rather than focusing on negative stereotypes or unjustly blaming us for criminal activities within the state.
As I mentioned before, not all Fulani people are involved in criminal activities or banditry.
"We recognize that other tribes have criminals too, and this is common knowledge. We simply wish to be left in peace," Hamisu expressed.
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