Tobias Sylvester
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has begged Fulani herdsmen not to carry AK-47 rifles after facing backlash for defending the use of weapons by herders.
KanyiDaily recalls that Governor Mohammed had argued that Fulani herders carry AK-47 for self-defence because cattle rustlers are attacking them due to government’s failure.
The governor’s comment justifying the use of AK-47 by Fulani herdsmen triggered a wave of condemnation from his counterparts and many Nigerians.
Reacting to the backlash, Mohammed pleaded with herdsmen to be peaceful and not to carry AK-47 rifles, clarifying that he only made “a figurative allusion” to the use of the weapon.
The governor made the plea during the launch of the 2020/2021 annual livestock vaccination campaign held at the Galambi Cattle Ranch, Bauchi, on Wednesday.
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“Please, don’t carry the AK-47 that I made a figurative allusion to. Try to make sure that you remain peaceful,” the governor said.
He, however, added that he has no apologies for kicking against those profiling the Fulanis as killers, adding that no tribe is devoid of criminals.
“We kicked against the profiling of the Fulani as killers and kidnappers, we have no apology for what we have done because what we have done is to say the truth, that there is no tribe or group that is free from criminality.*
“We are not saying that to spite anybody or spark unnecessary controversy, we have made our point. Nigerians across the board have discussed it and I am happy to say that from all indications, the majority of sensible Nigerians have appreciated what we have said and that is the point.”
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“I will therefore need not to mention anything of this matter for fear that controversy will be escalated, I will listen to voices of reasoning and keep quiet about it. I am calling on our brothers, the Fulani to ensure that they make their communities free of criminality.”
“They must make sure that they fish out the bad eggs from among themselves because criminality is criminality. In as much as we will protect them that they cannot be profiled badly, they should make efforts to show that majority of them are good citizens, contributing positively to the growth and development of Nigeria,” he said.
The Governor further said that his administration will free resources that belong to the Fulani pastoralists in order for them to have their own right of way, thereby reducing the conflicts between Fulani Herders and farmers.
KanyiDaily recalls that Governor Mohammed had clarified that his comment supporting AK-47 for Fulani herdsmen was a ‘figure of speech’ for protection.
