0
The Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, a Fulani socio-cultural organisation, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other South-West governors to intervene over remarks attributed to Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The group’s reaction followed media reports in which Igboho was quoted as issuing an ultimatum to Fulani leaders in Oyo State following the alleged abduction of a woman, her children and a sibling by suspected kidnappers.
According to the reports, Igboho warned that he would confront those he believed were connected to the incident if the victims were not released within the stipulated period.
He was also reported to have threatened to enter a forest reserve where he alleged the kidnappers were operating.
Reacting in a statement signed by its Convener, Ibrahim Barkindo Chubado on Sunday, the organisation expressed concern over what it described as remarks capable of fuelling ethnic tensions and worsening relations between communities.
The group said criminal acts should be investigated and addressed through lawful means and should not be attributed to an entire ethnic group.
According to the statement, Fulani communities oppose kidnapping, banditry and other forms of criminality and should not be collectively blamed for offences allegedly committed by individuals.
The organisation stated that it was concerned about what it described as a recurring tendency to associate Fulani communities with criminal activities, warning that such generalisations could undermine efforts to promote peace and security.
The group further claimed that, during previous security-related crises in parts of Oyo State, Fulani residents suffered casualties, displacement and loss of property. It also alleged that some accusations made against Fulani communities in the past were not substantiated by subsequent findings.
The statement referenced previous incidents in the Ibarapa and Iganna areas of Oyo State, alleging that Fulani residents were affected during communal conflicts.
It called on authorities to ensure that security challenges are addressed through thorough investigations and evidence-based processes.
“We are not saying there are no criminal elements among Fulani, Hausa or other ethnic groups.
However, criminals should be treated as criminals and not judged based on ethnicity or religion,” the statement said.
The organisation also described farmer-herder conflicts as disputes that should be resolved through dialogue, law enforcement and conflict-resolution mechanisms rather than ethnic or religious profiling.
It warned that heightened tensions and divisive rhetoric could aggravate insecurity and threaten peaceful coexistence.
The group therefore called on President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and other South-West governors to take steps to de-escalate tensions and promote peaceful relations among all communities.
It also urged Nigerians to support security agencies in combating kidnapping and other crimes while avoiding ethnic or religious stereotyping.
