Abstract:
Nigeria has been witnessing series of security challenges such as communal riots, agitation for
resource control and Boko Haram insurgency since the return of civil rule in 1999. These
security challenges have resulted in massive loss of lives and properties. The attacks by the
Fulani herdsmen have in recent years taken more dangerous dimension with acquisition of
modern weapons and communication devices. Incidents of killing, robbery, rape and kidnapping
by the Fulani herdsmen have inflicted pain on most farmers thus creating serious security
challenge. Therefore, the basic thrust of this paper is to examine the menace of Fulani herdsmen
in Nigeria and identify its implication for national security. The study adopts qualitative
approach to data analysis which relies on the use of secondary data as its source of information.
The paper reveals that the attack by the Fulani herdsmen militates against food security,
destruction of lives and properties and results in massive unemployment. This paper
recommends that the government should encourage the wealthy owners of the cattles to set up
cattle ranches in different parts of the country where the animals should be properly cared for.
There is also a need for compulsory registration of Fulani herdsmen operating in any local
government to enable the security agents and the host communities monitor their activities. |
International Journal of Arts and Humanities