I am a Fulani herdsman – I am not a killer (III & IV)

I reiterate. I am a Commander (rtd) of the Nigerian Navy. I am a Senator. I am a Fulani Herdsman. I have never killed or harmed any person in the course of my herding. I am not a killer. Stop stereotyping and stigmatising me as a killer. Simple!

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Today I carried out a research work on the Top 10 Armed Robbers in the history of Nigeria. They turned out to be the following people:

1. Dr Oyenusi – (Osun State)
2. Lawrence Nomayagbon Anini – Edo
3. Monday Osunbor.
4. Babatunde Folorunso
5. Folorunso – Banatunde’s Friend.
6. Shina Rambo.
7. Insp George Iyamu.
8. Kayode Williams
9. Obidiozor Otokoto.
10. Abiodun Ogunjobi

[You would notice that the bulk of them were Yorubas or people from Edo.]

List Of The Top 10 Armed Robbers In The History Of Nigeria

Anybody who was mature enough to know the people mentioned above would most likely remember the amount of havoc that they wrecked on society.

I first knew about armed robbery in Lagos. I recall back in 1981 when 2 armed robbers were pursued before my very eyes at Mile-2 by a mob and set ablaze with tires and petrol. They certainly were not Fulani Herdsmen.

I was a child but I watched the drama of Anini and Monday Osunbo unfold on TV. I was in Lagos when Shina Rambo terrorised the State. Yet, nobody ever referred to them as Yoruba/Edo Armed Robbers.

I have always known that Lagos Benin Express Way was notorious for armed robbery ever since my childhood days (l70s, 80s and early 90s). In fact Ore was notorious as a hot spot. Yet, nobody ever referred to those committing those crimes as Yoruba Armed Robbers. Now, all of a sudden any crime committed on that Express Road is associated with Fulani Herdsmen while conveniently forgetting the history of that highway.

What am I trying to say? Am I saying that Yorubas are armed robbers because of these notorious people? My answer is a categorical NO? Why?.. because I have lived with the Yorubas.
I stayed 25 years in Lagos, 11 months in Ado Ekiti and 3 months in Offa.

I have enjoyed their hospitality, friendship, generosity, protection and appreciation. Only a Yoruba person would thank you for yesterday, that day, last week, last month, last year etc (to the best of my knowledge). Admiral GT Adekeye (CNS) was very good to me. Today Commodore Ayo Olubode is one of best and most trusted friends.

What I am trying to say therefore is that just because there are a few notorious people amongst a group of millions of people that does not give one the right to castigate the whole group. That also applies to Fulani Herdsmen.

I therefore reiterate. I am a Commander (rtd) of the Nigerian Navy. I am a Senator. I am a Fulani Herdsman. I have never killed or harmed any person in the course of my herding. I am not a killer. Stop stereotyping and stigmatising me as a killer. Simple!