by Samira Adnan
Fulani communities in parts of Lahiagi, Pategi and Guru of Kwara and Niger States are living in terror due to an ultimatum that was issued to them, demanding they vacate their communities or be dealt with on or before 14th April 2026. The order has left them in fear, displaced, and in desperation according to local residents.
Abdullahi Mohammed, a community leader, explained an alarming scenario that many consider a crisis situation.
“Our Fulani people throughout the whole community were given three days to vacate their areas. If anyone refuses to vacate, they are in big trouble,” he stated.
“We are in danger because our people have been displaced, their food stolen, properties destroyed, and scattered around.”
As per residents, even going to towns is risky.
“When they move to town, they will encounter security operatives and vigilantes who arrest them and take them elsewhere,” Mohammed asserted.
The situation becomes more devastating for those whose family members have lived in these communities for decades.
“This place does not harbor strangers; some of us have been in the community for 30 to 40 years. But now we’ve all been told to move away.”
”We Were Born Here”: Citizens Talk About Forced Eviction
One other local, Ja’i Dadawuro, said the residents now see no alternative but to run away.
”I was born here; I have no place to go. Now I am being forced to run; people are fleeing in great number,” he said.
”Our leaders are also fleeing. There is nothing to hold on to; everyone has to move.”
Although residents accept that there are criminal elements in their midst, they are concerned about collective punishment.
”They do exist, but they are not the ones confronting you,” said Dadawuro.
”Can you chase away the stronger person who comes to settle down among you?”
He added that he feared reporting crime to authorities:
”Even when we tell the police, the criminal runs off; it is we, who made reports, who get targeted in return.”
Human Rights Group Launches Probe
Attention has been drawn to the matter by the International Human Rights Commission Relief Fund Trust.
Its country director, Ambassador Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, takes the allegations seriously.
“These threatening actions of conflicts, arson, and violence cannot be tolerated anywhere within a law-based nation,” he stated.
An investigation has already been conducted by the group and they are asking the federal and state governments, along with security agencies, to act immediately.
“We appeal to everyone to remain peaceful and allow the due process of the law. After all, peace is the bedrock of every community.”
Security, Legal Ramifications Pointed Out by Experts
A political science lecturer at Bayero University Kano, Prof. Kamilu Sani Fagge, highlighted the importance of looking at the bigger picture of the issue.
“This matter poses severe concerns in terms of human rights abuse, security lapses, and governance failure,” he explained.
He added that communities with historical connections to the land in question might have grounds to stay in their ancestral homes because of possible constitutional breaches if they were evicted forcefully.
“Three days’ ultimatum with threats may result in widespread conflict, including those between herdsmen and farmers.”
Legal Point of View: Process of Eviction Should Be Followed
Legal expert, Abdul Aziz Isa noted that eviction without process was illegal in the context of Nigerian law.
Accordingly, authorities were required to:
Give notice in advance, compensate victims or offer alternative resettlement
Get legal permission to do so, mostly in form of court order.
“It is wrong to expect a community to vacate in such a short notice without proper compensation,” he continued.
Affected people may sue via:
Constitutional claims based on their fundamental rights
Civil cases related to property destruction
Criminal charges for arson, etc.
Petitions to NHRC and others institutions, including courts.
Recurring Problem in Nigeria
This case does not occur for the first time. In 2021, governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu issued an ultimatum to herdsmen in forests reserves of the region because of kidnap concerns.
Back then, Fulani people denied all accusations against them stating that criminals should be treated separately.
Approach to Resolution: Dialogue, Protection and Policy Change
The use of ultimatums will not solve existing tensions. Therefore, some recommendations include:
Protection of civilians by security agencies
Independent investigations of violent acts
Dialogue platform of traditional, and community leaders
Targeted law enforcement against criminal actors, not entire communities
Clear land-use and grazing policies to reduce recurring conflicts
Professor Fagge emphasized that lasting peace depends on inclusive governance:
“This crisis cannot be resolved through force alone. It requires fair legal frameworks, effective security, and policies that allow all groups to coexist.”
A Call for Urgent Action
As tensions rise, affected communities are calling for intervention to prevent further displacement and loss.
At its core, the unfolding situation highlights a broader national question: how to balance security concerns with human rights, without pushing vulnerable communities deeper into crisis.
For now, the priority remains clear protect lives, uphold the law, and create space for dialogue before the situation escalates further.
This report is supported by HumAngle under the Strengthening Community Journalism and Human Rights Advocacy (SCOJA) Fellowship.
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