By Yusuf Ladan
There is a growing belief among many people that banditry and the activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP are not ordinary crimes, but part of a wider agenda aimed at weakening the historic Islamic institutions of Northern Nigeria, particularly the Sokoto Caliphate and the old Borno Kingdom.
Over the years, narratives of division and hatred against Fulani people and Northerners have increased, with religion often used as a tool to deepen these divisions.
Historically, Islamic education reached the North earlier than Western education. This resulted in many communities spending a longer period focusing on Islamic learning before embracing Western schooling.
This historical reality has, unfortunately, been exploited by those who harbour hostility towards the North. The name “Boko Haram” itself was used to misrepresent this history, while extreme forms of violence such as suicide bombings and mass kidnappings, which were previously associated mainly with conflicts seen in parts of the Arab world or in foreign films, were introduced to create fear and instability.
The intention, it appears, was to use the atrocities of Boko Haram to destabilise the North and weaken the unity of the former Borno Empire. However, despite the severe challenges, the Muslim communities of the Borno region have remained largely united, and this objective did not fully succeed.
Attention then shifted to the North-West, the heartland of the Sokoto Caliphate. Existing fault lines, particularly the long-standing farmers–herders conflicts, were identified and exploited.
Some poorly educated and vulnerable Fulani youths were reportedly manipulated, armed and pushed into violence, with the aim of creating deep hostility between Hausa and Fulani communities and tearing apart the social fabric of the region.
By the grace of God, these efforts have not achieved their ultimate purpose.
More recently, similar attempts appear to have extended to Kwara State, a Yoruba-speaking state with strong Islamic ties and long-standing cultural and social links with Northern Nigeria.
The pattern of violence and insecurity there is also being used to promote the narrative that Islam and Fulani traditional institutions are inherently linked to violence.
When one carefully examines certain seminars, publications and media presentations, it becomes clear that many of them are designed to promote the idea of a so-called “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.
Recent incidents, including attacks in parts of Kwara State and reported abductions of Christians in areas such as Kurmin Wali and Papiri, are often selectively presented to advance this narrative.
In doing so, the broader mission appears to be the demonisation of Muslims, Islam and Northern Nigeria.
What is the way forward ?
Fulani communities must reject violence and refuse to be used as tools by those who seek to manipulate them.
Muslim leaders must set aside personal and sectarian differences and work together in unity.
Northern leaders must rise above greed and political interest, and collectively confront the security, social and economic challenges facing the region.
What is unfolding is not merely criminality; it is a strategic and tactical campaign against Northern Muslims and their historic unity.
Only sincere cooperation, responsible leadership and genuine dialogue can protect the region from further destruction.
This is a must read for every Nigerian, especially by every northerner in this country. May God give all the stakeholders the discerning mind and the will to halt the mayhem and other vices afflicting the North, amen.