EXPLORING THE FULANI PERSPECTIVE AND THE ROLE OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND TRADITIONAL LEADERS IN COMBATING BANDITRY IN NORTH WESTERN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF THE CULTURAL AND TRADITIONAL NORMS SHAPING ATTITUDES AND RESPONSES

Abstract

This study explores the Fulani perspective on banditry in North Western Nigeria and the role of local communities and traditional leaders in combating this issue. The study utilizes a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to collect data from respondents in the states of Kaduna, Zamfara, and Sokoto. The results reveal that local community attitudes towards the Fulani community are mixed, with 30% of respondents having positive attitudes, 45% having neutral attitudes, and 25% having negative attitudes. The study also shows that banditry has a moderate to high impact on the daily lives of members of the Fulani community, with 50% of respondents reporting a moderate impact and 20% reporting a high impact. Furthermore, the study finds that perceptions of the role of traditional leaders in addressing banditry are mixed, with 40% of respondents having a positive perception, 30% having a neutral perception, and 30% having a negative perception. The findings suggest a need for culturally-sensitive strategies that involve the active engagement of local communities and traditional leaders in addressing the root causes of banditry. The study also provides case studies of successful efforts to combat banditry and promote peace and security in the region, highlighting the potential for cultural and traditional norms to play a key role in these efforts. Overall, the study sheds light on the challenges faced by local communities and traditional leaders in combating banditry and underscores the importance of engaging them in the development of sustainable and culturally-sensitive strategies.