Nigeria, a territory with a little more than 200 tribes is no stranger to ethnic conflicts. Dating back to when the country was founded, many indigenous tribes have found themselves in the ugly scenario of clashing with one another based on religious, cultural and political differences. Having to abide by a singular constitution, while upholding numerous individual beliefs has taken a toll on the growth of the nation, both socially and economically and these discrepancies have also caused a number of misunderstandings amongst Nigerians.

There is no denying the fact that time has played an integral role in diffusing this ill-bred tension among tribes, alas, even though to a lesser degree, the cultural tension still exists. Such is the case today with the Delta trend on Twitter.

Some decades ago, the term ‘Fulani Herdsmen’ simply denoted mild-mannered cattle herders who according to their nomadic nature and or practice, moved from community to community all over the country and sometimes a little outside the country’s borders, in a harmless attempt to graze their cattle herds, but lately, this term seems to be associated with herders who with malicious intent, brazenly displace other crop farmers from their property to feed their cattle at said farmer’s expense.

While this is not applicable to all herdsmen, as many herders still embody a gentle nature, the fact that many Nigerians are beginning to attach the thought of violent acts of terrorism at a mere utterance of ‘Fulani Herdsmen.,’ can’t be ignored.

This perhaps may be the reason why many Twitter users failed to give as much attention to the recent evacuation of Fulani Herdsmen in some communities in Delta State, as people see the act as justifiable.

Delta State was one topic of discussion today on Twitter and a number of people seemed to allude to the fact that the exile of some Fulani Herdsmen is not getting the attention it needs.

Yesterday , the Hausa Fulani’s in Delta state were attacked and massacred in their own settlements

They were chased out of the very place they make a living

But as usual, twitter was silent about it, no noise, no outrage

There were handles that were even justifying the attack

— Sarki. (@Waspapping_) May 14, 2020

Some even spoke about how the matter could escalate and give rise to another tribal conflict.

You dropped video of Fulani been chased out of delta community! Forgetting that your brothers and mines are residing quietly in the domains of this same Fulani people all over the north right? I hope none of you will tag Donald Trump or boris Johnson when Fulani strikes back.??

— Mazi_ikemba (@ikembaNigeria) May 13, 2020

While some sympathized with the actions of these Delta communities, stating that said communities have had enough of the violence and terrorism and as such are justifiable in their actions to chase them away.

Under this terrorist Mohammed Hafiz, our people in Delta state are in a very soup in their own land. They don’t have access to their own farms anymore. Inside their kitchens, Fulani Herdsmen will appear unexpectedly and start wreaking havoc everywhere. 10. buried in #Delta state. pic.twitter.com/FxGXMFUsYS

— Chijioke N Ezechi (@mazinwakamma) May 14, 2020

In all, this is no new subject, and it is the responsibility of the Nigerian government to see to it that the nation does not implode as a result of tribal differences. Laws need to be put in place and enforced for the good of all Nigerian people.