“We Are Citizens of Plateau, No One Can Chase Us Out” – Fulani Youth Leader Declares

Hamisu Garba, a prominent Fulani youth leader in Plateau State, has firmly stated that Fulani residents in the state will not be intimidated or driven out. In an exclusive interview with Nigeria News 247, Garba emphasized that many Fulani people were born, raised, and have lived all their lives in Plateau, making them rightful citizens of the state.

According to Garba, the Nigerian Constitution allows individuals to claim a state of origin based on their place of birth, and by that standard, the Fulani community in Plateau qualifies. He described ongoing attempts to displace Fulani residents as unjust and vowed that such efforts would be resisted.

“I was born in Plateau State. I have an indigene certificate signed by both my district head and the local government chairman. My entire family was born and raised here. I attended all levels of school in Plateau and only left briefly for my NYSC in Enugu,” he said.

Garba expressed concern over what he described as systematic profiling of Fulani people as criminals, asserting that criminal elements exist in all ethnic groups.

“There are criminals among every tribe — Mwaghavul, Berom, Tarok, Ngas, Irigwe, Mupun — not just Fulani,” he noted. “Unfortunately, all attention is focused on demonizing Fulani people, while ignoring similar crimes committed by others.”

He also claimed that some attacks in Plateau State are not exclusively carried out by Fulani individuals. “Investigations have shown that some natives are involved in these crimes, even going as far as selling information about their communities for as little as ₦20,000,” he alleged.

Garba reminisced about a time when different ethnic groups in Plateau lived in harmony, sharing meals and celebrations regardless of faith or background. He expressed sadness over the current tensions and called for a return to peaceful coexistence.

“No one has the right to tell us to leave Plateau. We belong here,” he asserted. “As youth leaders, we continue to educate our people to live in peace, and we call on leaders from other communities to do the same.”

He concluded by stressing that not all Fulani people are criminals, and urged for collective efforts toward unity and peace.