A Fulani socio-cultural organisation, the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, has called on President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to caution Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, over what it described as inflammatory comments directed at Fulani communities in Oyo State.
The group made the appeal in a statement issued on Sunday by its Convener, Ibrahim Barkindo Chubado.
The reaction follows reports that Sunday Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to Fulani leaders in Oyo State over the alleged abduction of a woman and her children.
According to reports, the activist threatened to personally confront those responsible if the victims were not released within the stipulated period. He also reportedly vowed to invade a forest reserve believed to be used as a hideout by suspected kidnappers.
Responding to the development, the Fulani group warned against associating an entire ethnic group with criminal activities allegedly committed by a few individuals.
Chubado said profiling Fulani communities for crimes committed by suspected kidnappers or bandits could heighten ethnic tensions and undermine efforts aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence.
The organisation maintained that Fulani communities across Nigeria consist largely of law-abiding citizens who should not be collectively blamed for the actions of criminal elements.
According to the group, Fulani people are equally victims of insecurity and remain opposed to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
The group also expressed concern over what it described as a growing tendency to link criminal activities to Fulani communities without sufficient evidence, warning that such narratives could fuel hostility and deepen divisions.
“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. We are calling on the authorities to call Igboho to order,” the statement said.
The organisation urged security agencies to continue pursuing criminals through lawful means while encouraging Nigerians to avoid ethnic profiling and collective blame in addressing security challenges across the country.
