A fulani socio-political group ‘Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore’ has condemned the alleged use of derogatory statements and names by some media organizations against the fulanis.
The group while addressing journalists in Bauchi alleged that some media houses criminalise the fulani race in their reportage of crises involving the fulanis which it decried is uncalled for.
Bauchi state chairman of the group Alhaji Hussaini Muhammad who addressed the press conference expressed dismay over the consistent usage of the phrase “Fulani Herdsmen Attack” by media organizations, saying that the use of the phrase is uncalled for, ethnocentric and against the entire Fulani race who are known for hardwork, tolerance and development in all facets of life.
According to him, the use of the phrase “Fulani Herdsmen Attack” has continued to portray the fulanis in bad light such that the society view them as criminals.
“This is the highest form of injustice and ethnic discrimination being shown to the Fulani people who are citizens of Nigeria with full rights as protected under the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, ought not to be discriminated.
“The contribution to the well-being and growth of Nigeria by men of the Fulani ethnic group cannot be overemphasized.The Fulanis herdsmen were the only ethnic group paying the “Jangal tax” used for the developmental growth of Nigeria in the early years of independence.
“The cows gifted and those eaten as meat during festive seasons are all reared by Fulani ethnic group. Leaders of this country who are from the Fulani ethnic group have done so much to keep this country together for the benefit of all.
“The Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bauchi State branch wonders why the media despite its professionalism, could stoop so low to label an entire group as “attackers” and when persons from other ethnic groups commit more heinous offences, they are referred to as either unknown gunmen, bandits, ritualists, armed robbers, but not associated with their tribes”. He pointed out.
