Fulani group seeks intervention over Igboho’s remarks, warns against ethnic profiling

A Fulani socio-cultural group, the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other South-West governors to intervene over comments reportedly made by Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, following an alleged kidnapping incident in Oyo State.

The appeal was contained in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the group’s Convener, Ibrahim Barkindo Chubado.

The group expressed concern over reports that Igboho issued an ultimatum to Fulani leaders in Oyo State over the alleged abduction of a woman, her children and another relative by suspected kidnappers.

According to the statement, comments attributed to the activist and reports of possible confrontation could heighten tensions and undermine efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security.

The organisation said while it supports efforts to tackle insecurity and criminality across the country, it opposed what it described as the tendency to associate criminal acts with entire ethnic communities.

It maintained that criminal activities such as kidnapping, banditry and terrorism should be addressed through lawful investigation and prosecution of suspects rather than attributing responsibility to ethnic groups.

The group stated that Fulani communities across Nigeria consist largely of law-abiding citizens and warned that generalisations could deepen divisions and fuel mistrust.

It also referenced previous security-related crises in parts of Oyo State, alleging that some Fulani settlements suffered casualties, displacement and destruction of property during earlier conflicts.

According to the organisation, security responses and public discourse on criminal incidents should be guided by evidence and due process.

The statement further noted that criminal elements may exist across different communities but insisted that offenders should be treated as individuals responsible for their actions.

The group described farmer-herder disputes as longstanding socio-economic challenges requiring dialogue and institutional solutions rather than ethnic confrontation.

It urged political leaders and security authorities to promote peaceful coexistence and take proactive measures to prevent escalation of tensions.

The organisation also called on Nigerians to support security agencies in addressing kidnapping and other crimes without resorting to ethnic or religious profiling.

The statement emphasised the need for unity and collective action in confronting insecurity across the country.