For decades, they lived quietly among their neighbours, raising cattle, trading livestock and building families across communities in southern Nigeria. Today, many Fulani settlers are leaving those same communities, driven by what they describe as growing hostility, ethnic profiling and fears for their safety.
An investigation by Sunday PUNCH has revealed a gradual but significant movement of Fulani herders and cattle breeders away from parts of the South-West and South-East. Some have relocated to other parts of Nigeria, while others have crossed into neighbouring West African countries they believe offer greater security.
The departures come against the backdrop of worsening insecurity across Nigeria. Rising cases of kidnapping, banditry and violent attacks have intensified public suspicion toward Fulani communities, particularly pastoralists. While residents of many affected areas continue to express fears over violent crime, Fulani leaders insist that innocent settlers are increasingly paying the price for crimes they did not commit.
Many settlers claim they are now viewed with suspicion solely because of their ethnic identity. Others allege that cattle have been stolen, community members attacked, and long-established settlements dismantled.
Fear Spreads Across the South-West
The South-West Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Sarkin Fulani of Abeokuta, Alhaji Muhammad Labar, confirmed that some herders had already left the region.
“Some of our members have already left the South-West. They relocated to places where they believe they will be safer and more comfortable. There is fear within the Fulani community because of the way criminality is increasingly being linked to our people,” Labar said.
According to him, the association has intensified efforts to calm fears among its members and encourage peaceful coexistence with host communities.
“We keep telling our people to remain calm because we know ourselves. We are peace-loving Nigerians, and we have lived in many of these communities for generations. We contribute significantly to the economy through cattle rearing and the livestock business. We have no interest in anything that can disrupt the peace of the South-West,” Labar stated.
Labar also maintained that MACBAN has consistently condemned criminal activities and supported security agencies in identifying and prosecuting offenders.
“We have always maintained that anybody found wanting should face the law. We will never allow the image of the Fulani community to be dragged into criminality. We have been part of the South-West for over 200 years, and we want to continue living peacefully with our hosts,” he added.
Claims of Killings and Forced Ejections
Beyond the South-West, Fulani leaders say the situation is even more severe in parts of the South-East.
The Deputy Director-General of MACBAN overseeing the South-East and South-South zones, Gidado Siddiki, alleged that pastoralists have faced killings, discrimination and forced displacement in several eastern states.
He identified Enugu State as one of the most difficult environments for herders, claiming that multiple attacks have occurred in recent months.
“Between November 2025 and May 2026, at least 11 pastoralists were reportedly killed in various communities across Uzo-Uwani, Nkanu East, Enugu East and Igbo-Etiti Local Government Areas.
“Among the victims listed by the association were Bello Kabiru, Nasiru Mohammed, Manu Shehu, Altine, Manu Modi, Jibir Haruna, Ibrahim Musa, Ahmadu Musa, Abdullahi Bello, Gayya Shuaibu and Dr Idris,” Siddiki said.
According to him, more than 40 cattle were also killed during separate attacks in different communities.
He said many incidents were reported to security agencies but remained unresolved.
Siddiki further alleged that Fulani settlers were expelled from Nkaleha community in Ebonyi State despite interventions by the Department of State Services and an agreement between both parties.
“We are suffering stigmatisation, hatred and ejection in some states. Our people have been ejected from Nkaleha community despite the intervention of the DSS. Presently, we don’t have our people in Nkaleha and Nselu at all,” he said.
While he acknowledged relative peace in much of Abia State, Siddiki claimed that restrictions and discrimination persist in parts of Abia North Senatorial District.
In Anambra State, he noted improvements in security but alleged that more than 50 pastoralists were killed between 2021 and 2024, while hundreds of cattle were rustled or destroyed during attacks. He added that violence had declined following security measures introduced by the state government and security agencies.
Despite those improvements, Siddiki claimed that two pastoralists were killed by unidentified assailants in Isiagu community, Awka South Local Government Area, in 2026.
‘I Was Born Here, Why Am I Suddenly a Suspect?’
Perhaps the most personal account comes from a Fulani farmer in Ifon Orolu, Osun State, who spoke anonymously.
The farmer said many Fulani residents in Osun were born and raised in the state and have known no other home. Yet, he said, they now face increasing distrust from neighbours.
“Many of us were born and raised in Osun. I was born in Ifon some 41 years ago. I don’t think it is normal for people to start seeing me as a criminal because some people from my tribe are engaging in crime.”
His experience with insecurity, he said, mirrors that of many other Nigerians.
“I have been a victim of these violent people. My people are from Zamfara State. I visited the state about two years ago and was abducted by bandits. My family paid N7.5m before I was released.”
The ordeal left a lasting impact.
“Since then, I have not visited the state. These criminals do not represent any tribe. We know ourselves, and we monitor our people living in the state. We have their data, and if any new person comes in, we will know.”
The farmer insisted that Fulani communities remain committed to working with security agencies and local residents to combat crime.
“We will continue to support our host communities and the security agencies in ensuring the security of the state. We have been sharing information with security personnel and remain committed to ending the insecurity,” he said.
A Growing Divide
The claims by Fulani settlers highlight a deepening divide between host communities and pastoralist populations across southern Nigeria.
While concerns over insecurity remain widespread, Fulani leaders argue that entire communities are increasingly being judged by the actions of criminal groups. The result, they say, is a silent exodus of families who have lived in southern Nigeria for generations.
Whether these departures represent isolated incidents or the beginning of a broader demographic shift remains unclear. What is evident, however, is that mistrust, fear and unresolved security challenges are reshaping relationships between communities that have coexisted for decades.
