Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has expressed fresh concerns about the conditions of Nigerian herdsmen, warning that long-standing neglect, lack of education, and high unemployment continue to worsen insecurity across rural communities.
Speaking during a programme focused on national security and rural development, Gumi said many herders live in deep isolation, disconnected from mainstream society and deprived of basic social amenities. He noted that these harsh conditions leave them vulnerable, frustrated, and easily exploited by criminal elements.
According to him, the absence of formal education and economic opportunities has created a generation of young herders ill-equipped to navigate modern life or understand government policies affecting their livelihoods.
Illustrating the severity of the situation, Gumi said: “If you pick ten young men, send them into the bush with cattle, cut them off from any interaction with the outside world and return after a year, they will begin to behave like the animals they tend.”
He argued that the isolation faced by herders contributes significantly to their susceptibility to manipulation, further aggravating the security crisis in many parts of the country.
The cleric urged the government to prioritise investments in education, digital and communication access, and structured employment for pastoral communities. According to him, tackling these root causes is essential to restoring peace and ensuring sustainable development across Nigeria’s rural areas.
