CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Nigeria is a country made up of different tribes and cultures; there are three major tribes
which include the Igbo, Hausa and the Yoruba, and many more minority groups. The country
is divided into six geo-political zones and out of those geo-political zones there are more than
250 different tribes, each speaking its own different languages, with its own customs and
tradition guiding them.

The major tribes are well recognized and self-efficient and want to lord it over the minority
groups. On the other hand, the minority groups’ wants to be self-efficient also, want to have a
say in the issues that concern the country’s affairs. Even among the major tribes, some are
more populated and occupy a vast area of land than the other and by so doing want a large
share in the country’s economy. Some tribes on the other hand are endowed with natural
resources from where flows the country’s revenue and they are of the opinion that since the
country’s revenue are gotten from their land, then a larger portion of the country’s resource
control should come to them, while other sections of the country are of the opinion that since
they provide most of the country’s agricultural product, some of which are exported as cash
crops by some doing generating revenue for the country while the other agricultural products
are used to maintain and sustain the country and they should be acknowledged and rewarded
accordingly.

Before her independence in 1960, the Southern protectorate and the Northern protectorate
where amalgamated in 1914 by Lord Lugard and his wife Floral Shawl gave the name
Nigeria to the country. The main reason was to join the country together for easy governance,
but the people joined force to gain independence. After its independence in 1960, Nigeria
started experiencing political crises, often with ethnic coloration, some region feeling
cheated, some feeling marginalized, while the others not given any chance to air their views
or opinion, these and other problems led to crisis and chaos in the country. There was a civic
war (1967 – 1970) where the people from the Easter part of the country want to go their
separate ways, several Inter-tribal wars, Religious crisis, Ethnic wars etc. Due to the
instability in the political atmosphere of the country, hunger and joblessness are now the
order of the day, some segments in the country are favoured than the others in terms of job
allocation and placement, sharing of the country’s economy, promotion in the civil service,
political seat reserved for some certain region, the military being sent to some certain region
in other to cause havoc there, indigenes using different means to send some non-indigenes
out of their land and so on. These caused some certain region in the country (The Igbo) to
start agitating for an independent state because they can’t stand the level of inhumanity being
meted on them. They tried using every medium and channel to past the message to the world.
Some region (Niger Delta Militants) also agitated for a larger portion of the country’s
resource control to be given to them since their land produce the natural resources from
where flows the country’s revenue because they felt they are being marginalized, their land
and water are being polluted as a result of mining the natural resources and they are not
adequately compensated, they can’t farm on their land nor make use of their water for
domestic purposes. Another region (the Yoruba) agitating for fiscal and regional autonomy
while a segment of other region (the Hausa) agitating for “Islamization” of the whole
country, kicking against Western education and eradicating anything or anybody that stand in
their way.

These crisis and agitations makes the country a living hell for most young adults because
after school, most graduates find it difficult to get a job, to start a family or be independent.
This lowers the standard of living in the country and most young adults are of the opinion of
migrating to other country even if it means a 50-50 chance of surviving, they tend to take the
risk, going to European countries by land, sea or air as their means can take them. They pass
through hell to get their promised land but when some of them get there, they are turned into
slave. Some of them are turned into prostitutes, used as sex slave, modern slavery is now the
other of the day as a person can sell his brother into slavery in Libya just for an exchange of
few currency and so on.

In the bid to feed their cattle and cows from one part of the country to the other, the Fulani
herdsmen became a demigod, they carry out different atrocities, are ready to kill, burn or
destroy whoever and whatever stands in their way in other to achieve their aim. They appear
like ordinary herdsmen going about feeding their animals but they go with arms and
ammunitions to challenge anybody that tend to stand in their way, they destroy people’s
farms and house. People are now scared of them, they don’t want them in their community
because they tend to leave painful marks behind and funny enough the federal government
are not saying anything about it.
These and many more issues are what is making the country’s economy to be stagnant, the
government is not being truthful to the people, they make promises to the people during
campaign and election and when they are voted in, they become lord of all, they are
untouchable, looting money that is meant for the people for their own personal use and living
large while the people are not happy because there are no basic infrastructure, the schools are
not well equipped, no light or water, the hospitals are in shambles and death rate is on the
increase couple with recession. The country really has enough going for it at this present
moment.
 CHAPTER TWO

AGITATION

A fact of Nigeria’s democratic experience in the last couple of years is that every new
political administration springs forth a new uprising from disillusioned interest groups. Such
seems to be the case of the Muhammadu Buhari administration and the recent series of
protests by the youth of South Eastern extraction seeking secession from Nigeria.

The feeling about marginalization against exploitation and total freedom as well as self-
realization gave in May 1967, to the republic of Biafra – secession of the State then in the
South-Eastern part of Nigeria. The demand for this Republic was effectively rested after
defeat by the Military in January, 1970. But some years back, the agitation was renewed
through a different platform – The Movement for Actualization of the Sovereign State of
Biafra (MASSOB). The same pan – Igbo Militia group is also otherwise referred to as the
Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)

But contrary to the position of some informed commentaries denouncing the ongoing
agitation for secession or self-determination as a rally of miscreants, the obviously expanding
Biafran fractions are gradually escalating into a global clamour for the actualisation of the
sovereign State of Biafra, whatever the motive of this agitation, it must not be taken lightly.

It will be unfair and myopic for anyone to pretend or declare that MASSOB has not been
visible with its agitation over the years, especially in the last six years of the immediate past
President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. The group has been so up and doing to the
extent that it was once enmeshed in war of leadership, a development which in the end,
resulted to emergence of two factions, one run under the control of its founding leader ralph
Uwazuruike and the other, being led by Comrade Uchenna Madu.

The restless MASSOB fighters and agitators have so far refused to give up their struggle. The
dimension of the ongoing struggle by the Biafra protesters gives impression as if the agitation
is just coming to Nigeria political landscape, for instance, the resilience displayed by the
protesters, the approach adopted in their protest and seemingly unclear motive of the agitators
as well as their surging number have left many, in worry and subsequently make them to ask
question, why the protest now, especially when the country still battle with challenges from
many parts of the country.
The disturbing approach of the Biafra protesters also includes hoisting of the Republic flag
during every procession. When put into perspective factors, such as condemnation (except if
political) of all the agitation, by the forum of South East Governors and the blame by so
many South Easterners, the question that comes to lips is: what actually did current Biafra
soldiers want? Who actually are they? Who are their sponsors and what is their grouse? And
why the protest now?

The violent protest by the present Biafra aggressors from all indications does not appear to
enjoy the support of so many Igbo speaking people – both who reside within and outside the
region.

So one may be push to ask, who are these Biafra agitators fighting and working for? Will it
be morally right; defendable and logical for these Biafra protesters to confront the present
administration with the complaint of shortcoming? Is the protest actually over opposition to
marginalization or strictly on secession?

On one hand are some wrong-headed individuals of Igbo extraction, who have twisted an
otherwise legitimate demand for restructuring of the country, a demand for justice, equity and
respect for one another.

On the other hand you have a group of the northern youths better described as hired men,
now greatly egged on by some, pretentiously literate, but consciously despicable so called
Northern Elders, who have an overbloated and overrated sense of self-importance.

But first to understand the mentality of Nigerians as a people (and by extension, the so called
political leaders), you need to understand their perception of certain things, especially wealth
and power, and the relationship that exists between both on the one hand, and what
constitutes and existential threat to the enthronement of an egalitarian society where peace
and justice reign supreme.

In essence, the Igbo of South-East Nigeria are simply asking that they want a better deal, a
deal that would enable them exercise control over their destiny, their wealth, land mass; a
deal that would release them from the real and perceived yoke of second rate citizenship in
Nigeria that continues to ‘fumble and wumble’ through. They want to be treated decently, not
particularly in the manner that a president of Northern extraction would allocate about 65%
of appointments to his brothers, sisters, nieces or nephews, but just to have a fair share of
what can equitably go round. They seek to be participants, not necessarily in the same
manner that a president of Yoruba extraction would award contracts to only his kinsmen, but
just to be dealt with as fellow citizens of the same country with equal opportunities. They
seek an environment that would make their people gainfully employed, not necessarily the
type by a president of Ijaw calling whose people would fill almost every position in the land,
but one in which their best would be sure to have placement, after a competitive process. The
nagging question, at the end of the day, is, how does such quest become illegitimate? How
does wanting to be treated like fellow citizens and not an outcast become treasonable?

Whatever form of injustice the Igbo claim to be suffering, there are a thousand and one of
such in other zones; but, to be fair, in varying degrees.

The group gave reasons why it will continue the agitation of Biafra, stating that it has
received various inquiries from many parts of the world on the matter. Some of the reasons
given by IPOB include the following:

 The group believed that freedom is God given right to his people and that they are
fighting for Biafra because it is their right to be free and also the restoration of Biafra
sovereignty, which was abused and defiled by Fredrick Lugard, the British mercenary
soldier.
 The group also believed that the restoration of Biafra is the end to destruction of farm-
Land and crops and unnecessary rampage in the South-East region. According to the
group they believe it will put an end to raping of their mothers, sisters and daughters
homes and farms by the stinking nomads that disguised themselves as cattle breeders
and herdsmen. The group also believe that it will end all forms of politically
motivated killings in the South-East states.
 It will also bring an end to attacks, unprovoked killings of people in every well
intentional religious crisis and bombings of religious places because of their faith.
 To avoid harassment and attack from the military and other security agencies, and that
people will have the right and freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without
being attacked and killed by the armed forces who cannot counter terrorism.
 To improve the educational sector which will provoke academic genius from the
region and judicial sector which will result to a country will the constitution will be
sacred, the law supreme, and the right of every citizen and foreigner will be protected.
And also where every region, province or state will have total control of their people
and resources.
  To end marginalization of people from the South-East region or special favour of/for
anyone because of their tribe, tongue or ethnicity.
 The group said that they are fighting for Biafra to ensure that the coming generation
will not encounter the darkness brought upon Nigeria by the colonial masters.

According to Chuka Odom, the former minister of Environment, Housing and Urban
development in the former president Umaru Yar’Adua administration, the solution of the
Biafra agitation does not lie with the continuous agitation for Biafra. The solution lies with
extending the amnesty programme to the youth of the South-East developed by late president
Yar’Adua and the Stakeholders in the South-Eastern region and also constructive
engagements that will involve the leaders of South-East and not policing the South-East.

Agitation is defined according to Cambridge English Dictionary as a situation in which

people protest or argue, especially in public, in order to achieve a particular type of change.
 MIGRATION:

Migration refers to a movement from one location to another

Human migration, which is the focus here, refers to the movement by people from one place

to another with the intentions of settling, permanently or temporarily in a new location. The

movement is often over long distances and from one country to another, but internal

migration is also possible; indeed, this is the dominant form globally. People may migrate as

individuals, in family units or in large groups (source: www.wikipedia.com)

CAUSES/TYPES OF MIGRATION

Various terms are usually employed to describe different kinds or causes of migration.

Individuals who seek to move to another Country due to Civil disturbance or natural disasters

are referred to as REFUGEES; if the migration is internal (i.e; within the Country) the

individuals are known as DISPLACED PERSONS, while individuals whose primary

purpose of migrating to another country is to provide technical or professional expertise in a

particular field of knowledge or Work is known as an EXPATRIATE. One who is fleeing

from persecution on religious, political or other grounds is referred to as an ASYLUM

SEEKER.

IMPACT OF MIGRATION

Migration impacts negatively and positively on both the Host and Countries of origin of

migrants and we shall look at the impact from these two perspectives.

Positive impact on Country of Origin

One singular benefit of migration to Countries of Origin is the remittance or money usually

sent home by migrants to the loved ones back home. This contributes to a large proportion of
the National foreign exchange earnings. For instance, according to the Global Knowledge

Partnership on Migration and Development, Nigerians in Diaspora remitted $21million and

$35million in the years 2015 and 2016 respectively. Making Nigeria the second highest

recipient of foreign remittances in Africa. This also far outweighs the total development

funding from donor corporations or agencies by nearly three times. Furthermore, when these

immigrants return to their countries of origin, the bring along wealth of professional

experience and skills, monetary savings and even International contacts that could aid in the

development of their countries. Another major benefit is the attendant reduction in

unemployment rate especially among the youthful population, who constitute the greater

majority of immigrants.

Negative impact on Country of Origin

Migration also negatively on the countries of origin in many serious ways, some of which

include: Loss of skilled manpower, often needed to drive development, especially in the

health sector. The Nigerian experience is a typical example. According to the Emigration

Doctor Survey, a total of 2500 Nigerian Doctors left Nigeria between August and September

2017. It also says that of the 72000 medical Doctors registered with the Medical and Dental

Council of Nigeria, only 35000 are practicing in Nigeria. The Country in this way is

shortchanged economically, losing her best brains to other Nations in what is popularly

described as brain drain.

Positive Impact on Host Nation

From the social angle, migrants help in truly making the World a Global Village by bringing

rich cultural diversity along with them to their host countries. This fosters better

understanding and harmony amongst Nations. Migrants also provide their Host nations with

skilled knowledge, energy and innovation. The huge benefit economically cannot be
overemphasized. They bridge the gap between the younger and older generation in many

Nations, especially with the absence of enough young population to drive enterprise. Since

they work in their host nations and pay taxes, their host Nations also generate revenue

through the presence and activities of migrants. In this sense then, unemployment gaps are

filled and the balance needed for stable economy is assured.

Negative Impact on Host Nation

A major negative impact is increased security challenges. With the influx of immigrants to

any Nation, lies the great possibility of admitting radicalized persons who may constitute

threat to Host Nations. Crime is often associated with migration and this is a huge challenge

for Host nations, necessitating profiling of persons. Large influx of Individuals into a Country

may drive up unemployment rate for the Locals as migrants are often willing to work for less

pay and this often leads employers to ignore capacity building through training. Public

services and. infrastructure and may experience pressure due to increased users and

exploitation of the immigrants themselves constitute a huge challenge as already discussed

above.
 CHAPTER FOUR

THE FULANI CATTLE HERDSMEN

Fulani herdsmen or Fulani pastoralists are nomadic or semi nomadic Fulani herders whose
primary occupation is raising livestock. The pure Fulani pastoralist engages in random
movement of cattle while the semi-nomadic makes transhumance migration and return to
their camps or homes.

In the recent years, they have also added another occupation to their primary occupation
which involves killing people and destroying their farmlands, raping of women and burning
of houses. The wholesome activities of the herdsmen were now causing unimaginable pains
on farmers mostly in the local areas of the state who solely depends on farming for survival
and sustenance.

The raids by nomadic Fulani herdsmen are considered as the biggest security threat facing
Nigeria after the Boko Haram insurgency.

The herdsmen mainly from the Fulani ethnic group and farmers often clash for control of
water and land (grazing territories).

According to the Global Terrorism Index, over 1,200 people were killed in 2014 by different
groups of Fulani herders and in 2016, more people died in clash with the herdsmen than in
Boko Haram attack.

Ajege Yahanna, the director of the State Security Service (DSS) in Ondo state has expressed
worry over the continuous attacks and destruction of farmlands by the rampaging Fulani
herdsmen in the state.
 REFERENCE

Ibeh. N, naij.com

Balogun Tajudeen, African Examiner Articles/Opinion

Odom Chuka, Igbo Marginalization, cause of Biafra agitation. The Sun Newspaper. 24 th
April 2017.

www.wikipedia.com

www.bbc.co.uk

The Migration Report, Vanguard Newspapers, March 18, 2017

25000, Nigerian Medical Doctors warming up to leave Nigeria in September for US and UK-
Survey, The Post-NG, August 13, 2017

Jide Ajani, Nigeria and the new wave of agitation: Ultimate Change? Vanguard Newspaper.
11th of June, 2027

Sahara Reporters 2018

Naija .com 2018