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Articles

CUJPIA: VOL. 10 NO. 1, SEPT 2025

From Jihadist Roots to Contemporary Realities: A Historical and Socio-political Study of the Fulani Herders in Nigeria: Paper selected from 2nd Covenant University Conference on Leadership and Development (CUCLeD), June 11-13, 2025

Submitted
November 20, 2025
Published
2025-09-01

Abstract

Nigeria’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, bringing together many ethnic groups with rich histories and cultural traditions that connect the nation to the broader African and global community. Among these groups, the Fulani hold a distinctive place, especially the subgroup known as the Fulani herders. Renowned for their nomadic lifestyle and deep-rooted attachment to pastoralism, the herders have become a central focus of national discussion due to the recurring conflicts associated with their movements across regions. This paper examines the journey of the Fulani herders, from their historical origins to their present-day realities. It traces their roots to the jihadist movements of the 18th and 19th centuries led by Uthman Dan Fodio, whose influence reshaped the political and cultural landscape of Northern Nigeria. Drawing on insights from existing literature and secondary data, the study examines how centuries of migration, environmental pressures, and limited policy attention have shaped the Fulani herders of today. The findings reveal that while the herders share language and ancestry with other Fulani groups, they maintain a unique way of life, one that often keeps them on the margins of formal education, religion, and politics. Their constant movement in search of greener pastures, however, has brought them into tension with farming communities, fueling social and security concerns nationwide. The study concludes that the Fulani herders represent far more than an ethnic identity; they embody a living socio-political reality shaped by history, environment, and governance. Understanding their story is essential not only for conflict resolution but also for building a more inclusive and peaceful Nigeria.