A Fulani man who was abducted by kidnappers has recounted his experience in captivity, claiming that many of those behind kidnapping operations in the country are not Nigerian Fulani but foreigners from neighbouring countries.
Speaking about his ordeal, he said he was abducted alongside others by armed men he identified as Fulani from Chad rather than Nigeria.
Claims kidnappers were foreigners
According to him, the group that held them consisted of about six men, none of whom were Nigerian Fulani.
“I am Fulani, and we don’t kidnap people. We have businesses we rely on for survival. We don’t pray to make a living by kidnapping others. Those people are not Nigerian Fulani. They are Fulani from Chad. We saw about six of them; there was no Nigerian Fulani among them,” he alleged.
He added that someone outside the gang appeared to be coordinating their activities remotely. He claimed instructions were being given over the phone in Hausa, and that the caller seemed to be their leader.
He also said the group had earlier kidnapped some Chinese nationals and allegedly collected ransom before releasing them.
‘Our name is being damaged’
Expressing concern over the growing association of Fulani people with banditry and kidnapping, he said the reputation of his community was being unfairly affected.
“So all these things happening and people keep mentioning Fulani are spoiling our name. Most Nigerian Fulani do not like trouble,” he said.
He acknowledged that disputes can arise between herders and farmers when cattle destroy crops, but insisted kidnapping is not part of Fulani culture in Nigeria.
Life in captivity
He further described life in captivity, saying the kidnappers occasionally contacted their families via WhatsApp and spoke about their activities at home.
He also recounted being referred to as “goods” during ransom negotiations.
“When our families came to pay the ransom, they took ₦2,000 from my money and gave it to me, and did the same for others,” he said.
He added that they were given small amounts of money after release and even bought items such as milk, malt, and cigarettes while in captivity.
He also claimed the abductors were cautious about food, asking victims to taste meals first before they ate.
‘We are tired of the stereotype’
The victim lamented what he described as widespread stereotyping of Fulani people due to criminal activity by certain groups.
“Honestly, if it were possible to change our tribe, many of us would do it because we are tired. Everywhere we go, once people see Fulani, they call us bandits,” he said.
“The Fulani that are kidnapping people are not Nigerian Fulani. They are mostly Fulani from Chad, we Nigerian Fulani may eat someone else farm with our cow, but we don’t kidnap.”
— An abducted Fulani man, narrating his experience after being kidnapped. pic.twitter.com/M06BTV2sYl
— Oyo Matters (@Oyo_Matters) June 3, 2026
