Benue State University, Makurdi

Human Rights, National Insecurity and Fulani Herdsmen Attacks in Nigeria

Aondofa Aligba,^*
Mwuese M. Mnyim^**

Abstract

This article is one which is deliberately undertaken to examine the problem of human rights violations and the insecurity caused by Fulani herdsmen attacks in various states of the Federation of Nigeria. It provides the details on the legal regime on human rights in Nigeria, and the law to contend with the activities of herdsmen so as to guarantee security of the citizens in the country. It further unravels why irrespective of the existence of the legal regime, the hostilities between the Fulani herders and farmers have continued to be on the increase resulting to the degree of human rights abuses and the prevalent problem of insecurity being witnessed or experienced in many states of the federation of Nigeria, that are invaded. The researcher has used the doctrinal method of research and has discovered that problems of Fulani herdsmen attacks and the insecurity it has posed in the country, is worsened by the compromising attitude of Nigeria’s security operatives, the docile attitude of the Federal Government towards the attacks, the use of mercenaries and sophisticated weapons in the attacks etc. The write up concludes that for this problem to be addressed the Federal Government must rise up to check the porous nature of its borders, the source of the arms used in the clashes and the attitude of security operatives must be put under constant check or supervision. Finally, it is suggested that if the Federal Government of Nigeria cannot defend the citizenry against the Fulani attacks, the people should be mobilised to defend themselves under the concept of self-defence, which is constitutionally recognised.

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