Fulani Group Urges Tinubu, Makinde to Caution Sunday Igboho Over Alleged Threats
A Fulani socio-cultural organisation, The Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other South-West governors to intervene over alleged inflammatory remarks made by Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, against Fulani communities in Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Convener, Ibrahim Barkindo Chubado, the group expressed concern over reports that Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to Fulani leaders following the alleged abduction of a woman, her children and a sibling by suspected kidnappers.
According to the organisation, continued profiling of Fulani communities for crimes allegedly committed by individuals could heighten ethnic tensions and undermine efforts to promote peace and security.
The group maintained that while it condemns kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and other forms of criminality, such offences should not be attributed to an entire ethnic group.
It described Fulani people as law-abiding citizens and urged authorities and the public to rely on investigations and evidence rather than ethnic generalisations when addressing security challenges.
The statement also referenced previous crises in parts of Oyo State, including Ibarapa and Iganna, alleging that many Fulani residents lost their lives, sustained injuries and were displaced during communal conflicts.
“We are not saying there are no bad eggs among Fulani, Hausa or other Northern ethnic groups. However, criminals should be treated as criminals and not profiled based on ethnicity or religion,” the statement read.
The organisation further described farmer-herder clashes as largely economic disputes that should not be transformed into ethnic or religious confrontations.
It therefore urged President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and other South-West governors to take proactive measures to de-escalate tensions and promote peaceful coexistence by engaging all relevant stakeholders.
The group also called on Nigerians to support security agencies in tackling kidnapping, banditry and other crimes without resorting to ethnic or religious profiling.
