According To Our Reporter, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa, has proudly affirmed her Fulani pastoral roots while firmly distancing herself and her community from the rising banditry linked to some herders.
Speaking on Mic on Podcast, Musawa said, “I’ve got my stick, my sheep, cows, and chickens—I’m a real herds woman but not a Fulani bandit.”
She stressed that banditry is a recent and unfortunate development, not reflective of the Fulani people’s true identity: “This was not our reputation when we were younger; it’s a new, very unfortunate trend.”
Musawa’s remarks highlight the distinction between genuine Fulani herders and criminal groups, addressing growing ethnic tensions amid Nigeria’s security challenges.
Her message calls for fair recognition of her community’s heritage beyond harmful stereotypes fueled by ongoing rural violence.