Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has generated widespread conversation online after sharing an in-depth perspective on the underlying causes of violent behaviour among Nigerian herdsmen. His remarks, which came during a programme focused on insecurity and rural development, have added a new angle to the national debate surrounding pastoralist-related violence.
Gumi explained that many herders live in extreme isolation, spending long periods deep in rural areas with little to no exposure to formal education, public services, or meaningful economic opportunities. According to him, this prolonged detachment from society creates a disconnect that affects their worldview, behaviour, and ability to interact peacefully with others.
He stressed that this separation from modern life significantly contributes to their vulnerability, making them more likely to be influenced or recruited by criminal elements who exploit their lack of access to information and opportunities.
The cleric noted that the absence of schooling and structured employment leaves herders unequipped to understand government policies, social structures, or basic civic responsibilities. This gap, he argued, often results in misunderstandings and further deepens tensions between herders and other communities.
“If you pick ten young men, send them into the bush with cattle, cut them off from the outside world and return after a year, they will begin to behave like the animals they tend,” Sheikh Gumi stated. His analogy captured the effects of prolonged isolation and the psychological toll of a lifestyle detached from human interaction and social development.
Gumi further warned that these harsh conditions make pastoral youths prime targets for manipulation by criminal groups, who take advantage of their limited awareness and lack of support systems. He urged the Nigerian government to take a holistic approach by prioritizing education, communication access, modern grazing alternatives, and economic empowerment within pastoralist communities.
The cleric’s comments add important context to the ongoing national discourse on herder-farmer clashes and rural violence. His viewpoint emphasizes that solving these issues requires more than military action; it also demands addressing deep-rooted social, economic, and developmental challenges that shape the lives of herders.