Nigerian pastoralist groups demand end to ethnic profiling

The Kautal Pulaaku Fulbe Association of Nigeria, representing the Confederation of Pastoralist Non-Governmental Organisations (CONPA), has called on President Bola Tinubu to initiate a national dialogue regarding farmer-herder conflicts. The coalition, which represents millions of pastoralists across Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, expressed concern over the systemic profiling of Fulani pastoralists as being synonymous with banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.

Representatives stated that this stereotyping has led to increased hate speech, extrajudicial killings, and jungle justice against innocent civilians, including women and children. The groups reported that hundreds of pastoralists have been killed in recent coordinated attacks across Plateau, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states, alongside the destruction of cattle and settlements.

To address the crisis, the coalition is demanding an independent investigation into the killings, immediate relief from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and government protection under the 1999 Constitution. They urged security agencies and the media to prosecute criminals as individuals rather than targeting an entire ethnic group.