‘We Are Also Indigenes of Plateau’ – Hausa Activist Declares

A Hausa socio-political activist, Aliyu Shuaibu, has stirred public debate after declaring that Hausa people living in Plateau State are also indigenes of the state, challenging long-held views that the Hausa community are settlers or visitors in the region.

In a video posted on his Facebook page, Shuaibu emphasized that the Hausa people should be recognized as bona fide indigenes of Plateau State, just like other ethnic groups. He argued that, historically, all tribes migrated from various regions to settle in Plateau and became known as indigenes — therefore, the Hausa people’s status should not be treated differently.

“We are not outsiders in Plateau State — we are part of the soul of Plateau. All we demand is fairness, recognition, and the right to belong where we have lived, worked, and contributed for generations,” Shuaibu stated.

According to him, the Hausa people have made significant contributions to the economic, social, and cultural development of Plateau over the years and should no longer be seen as temporary residents or strangers.

Shuaibu clarified that their movement is not driven by a desire for land, traditional titles, or political positions, but rather by the need for equality and fair treatment.

“Those who keep saying they are the real indigenes of Plateau, I want to ask you: did you fall from the sky or did your forefathers not also migrate here from somewhere?” he questioned.

“We are not begging to be recognized as indigenes because we are indigenes of Plateau. Justice is not a favor; it is our right.”

Addressing widespread misconceptions linking the Hausa ethnic group solely to Islam, Shuaibu explained that religion and ethnicity should not be conflated.

“When people say Hausa, it has nothing to do with the Islamic religion. There are many Hausa people who are not Muslims, and there are people from other ethnic groups in Plateau who are Muslims. We meet on religious levels, not tribal levels,” he said.

Shuaibu also revealed that members of the Hausa community in Plateau have held peaceful demonstrations in recent times, advocating for equal rights and recognition within the state. He said those protests were often misinterpreted as agitation for power, when in fact they were simply calls for inclusion and respect.

The activist’s remarks have since sparked widespread reactions on social media, with supporters praising his boldness in addressing issues of identity and belonging, while critics argue that indigene recognition should remain based on historical and cultural roots unique to the various Plateau communities.