Shehu Sani Breaks Silence On Banditry, Says Fulani Must Not Be Blamed For Criminal Acts

The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has expressed concern that the activities of criminals have severely damaged the reputation of the Fulani people, despite the community’s long-standing association with values such as discipline, respect and peaceful coexistence.

Sani made the remarks on Saturday while addressing members of the National Association of Fulbe Students at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he urged Nigerians to distinguish the Fulani ethnic identity from the criminal activities of individuals.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the former lawmaker strongly condemned the activities of notorious bandits, including Kachalla, Haliru and Bello Turji, describing their alleged actions as a serious threat to Nigeria’s national life.

Sani said the North was historically regarded as one of the country’s most peaceful and accommodating regions, where people could move freely and live with their families without fear. He noted that the Fulani had also traditionally been associated with respect, discipline and peaceful coexistence.

However, he lamented that the activities of criminal elements had negatively affected the image of the wider Fulani community, accusing the bandits of engaging in killings, rape, village attacks, kidnapping and extortion, including the collection of huge ransom payments.

Sani stressed that the actions of a few individuals should not be used as a basis for condemning an entire ethnic group. He urged Nigerians to separate ethnic identity from criminality and warned against collective judgment.

He also rejected the justification of criminal activities on the basis of perceived injustice, maintaining that no grievance could justify the killing of innocent people, kidnapping or other forms of violence.

The APC candidate called for a clear distinction between legitimate grievances and criminal acts, stressing the need to protect innocent citizens while ensuring that individuals involved in violent crimes are held accountable.