Vice President Kashim Shettima has responded to a viral photo showing him eating with a group of Fulani people, saying the image has been wrongly used to spread false claims about him.
Speaking at the 2025 International Press Institute Nigeria Conference in Abuja, Shettima said some people online tried to link the photo to bandits and Boko Haram. He explained that the picture was taken in a calm setting and had nothing to do with any criminal group.
He said the way the photo was shared was part of a plan to mislead the public about his work with northern communities. Shettima gave some background, saying the Fulani were once allowed to graze in the Sambisa forest but were later forced out by Boko Haram after some of them reportedly gave information to the military.
The Vice President said his meeting with the Fulani group was part of a larger effort to understand local problems and help those affected. He said talking directly with communities helps reduce violence and builds trust with security agencies.
Shettima made it clear that the photo was about real community outreach, not support for any illegal group. He also spoke about the need for honest reporting and urged both journalists and social media users to check facts before posting things that could cause confusion or damage reputations.
He warned that spreading false stories can hurt national security and damage the relationship between the government and the people. He also talked about the government’s wider plans to deal with security issues in the North.
In his final remarks, Shettima said the photo should be seen for what it really was,a part of his work to connect with communities and understand their needs. He asked the public to be more careful with online content and to focus on facts, not rumors.
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