THE MENACE OF FULANI HERDSMEN: A LEGAL APPRAISAL OF TERRORIST ACTIVITIES AND ITS SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

The Fulani Herdsmen menace in Nigeria presents a momentous security challenge having evolved
into terrorism evidenced in destruction of agricultural lands, very violent attacks on family,
communities and loss of lives and infrastructure such as schools, water supply and so on. These acts
which prior were reported scantily and seasonally have transformed into a constant and continuous
organized and more violent action differing from traditional farmer-herder conflict involving the use
of violence and intimidation against civilians, thereby asserting fear on the residents of the region
under attack, hence meeting the actions of terrorism. The pattern of attack depicts a design to instill
fear and force communities to abandon their ancestral land. The menace which is evident in many
states of Nigeria currently threatens national security and aggravates humanitarian concerns
because it is carried out with sophisticated weapons. It is coordinated and systematic and is aimed
at destroying farmlands and killing of members of the local population. The Fulani Herdsmen
menace introduces existential implications for Nigeria economy and the state, it therefore requires
a comprehensive approach which include urgent implementation of the anti-terrorism law by
security agency and policy implementers.