Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called on Fulani community leaders across the state to work closely with security agencies to identify and expose criminal elements hiding within their communities amid growing concerns over kidnappings and banditry.
The governor made the comment during an interaction with Fulani leaders in the state.
A video of the meeting, which was delivered in Hausa, has since circulated widely on social media.
Bago said insecurity continues to damage the reputation of law-abiding Fulani families and warned that public frustration is increasing as kidnapping cases persist across several parts of the state.
Addressing the gathering, the governor urged traditional and community leaders to prevail on individuals involved in criminal activities to abandon violence and return home.
“My relatives, I will not be afraid of you; I had better tell you this. Whoever gets kidnapped in the bush and is later released will say it was Fulanis who kidnapped him,” he said.
The governor noted that many victims who regain freedom after paying ransom often accuse Fulani criminals of being responsible for their ordeal, a situation he said has created tension and mistrust among residents.
“So, you should warn your children who are in the bush to return so that we can live peacefully. There is no way people can be kidnapped and made to pay ransom without expecting them to be angry with you,” Bago stated.
He stressed that peaceful Fulani residents should not allow criminal groups to define the image of the entire community.
According to him, government has not stopped anyone from carrying out legitimate activities such as grazing, farming, schooling or conducting business peacefully in the state.
“People are angry with Fulanis. No one is stopping you from grazing, going to school, or staying peacefully, yet you know your children are doing bad things to people. Even if they are not caught, you will eventually face the consequences,” he added.
The governor also expressed concern over reports that some armed men operating in forests within Niger State are being shielded by individuals who know their identities and locations.
He said silence from community members has made it difficult for security agencies to effectively tackle criminal networks responsible for abductions, attacks on communities and cattle rustling.
Bago maintained that community leaders have a responsibility to cooperate with authorities by providing useful intelligence capable of leading to arrests and prosecutions.
He further alleged that some criminal elements move into parts of Niger State from neighbouring states, particularly areas battling banditry and violent crimes, without being reported to security agencies.
In a related news, Governor Bago earlier in the week announced a series of measures targeted at addressing insecurity in parts of Niger State following renewed concerns over kidnappings and violent attacks.
The governor linked several security challenges to the activities of criminal elements operating under the cover of local communities.
Bago expressed concern that victims released after paying ransom frequently identify Fulani kidnappers as those responsible for their abduction.
“When kidnapped victims are released after ransom is paid, they often identify Fulani as those responsible for the abductions,” the governor said while explaining the need for stronger community cooperation against criminal networks.
He also raised concerns over recurring clashes involving farming and herding communities, warning that such conflicts often escalate when outside actors become involved.
According to the governor, some disputes have become more complicated because individuals allegedly invite relatives and associates from outside affected communities to participate in confrontations.
Bago insisted that the security situation requires firm action and greater accountability from local leaders.
The governor further warned that anyone found encouraging violence, protecting criminals or undermining peace efforts would face the full weight of the law.
During separate meetings with traditional rulers and community stakeholders, he emphasized the need for intelligence gathering and stronger support for security agencies.
He maintained that lasting peace can only be achieved when residents openly reject criminality and refuse to provide cover for kidnappers and bandits.
