By Awaal Gata
Abuja
Members of the Miyetti Allah Fulani Cattle Breeders Association have denied perpetrating hideous crimes, as believed in almost every part of the country.
The Secretary of Fulani Youths Nationwide, Mr. Bayero Ibrahim, who spoke on their behalf, made the denial in an interview with newsmen in Abuja yesterday.
He argued that Fulanis were mostly victims of communities where they settled rather than perpetrators of hideous crimes often ascribed to them.
Ibrahim urged the government and Nigerians in general, to disregard the perception of Fulanis as “bush people, violent people’’ and see them as “decent citizens’’.
The secretary urged the government to include Fulani youths in skill acquisition programmes that would capacitate them.
He said many Fulani elites within and outside the country are professionals in different fields while some hold political offices and others work with international organisations.
“I will not dispute the fact that our major occupation and what the Fulanis are known for iscattle breeding, but aside that, we are not different from any other tribes that are regarded highly.
“I am a graduate of Geography from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and we have other educated Fulanis like myself. “For those that are less educated, if they are given the opportunity to acquire skills as carpenters, mechanics and tailors, among other skills, I am sure that they will do well.
“We, the youths, have come together from different parts of the FCT to meet, discuss our plight, and make it known to the government and our elites, so that it could be addressed’’, he said.