A Fulani socio-cultural group, the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, has called on President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene over what it described as inflammatory remarks made by Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, against Fulani communities in Oyo State.
The appeal was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the group’s Convener, Ibrahim Barkindo Chubado.
The development follows reports that Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to Fulani leaders in Oyo State over the alleged abduction of a woman and her children. He was also reported to have threatened action against those he believed were responsible if the victims were not released within the stipulated period, including plans to storm a forest reserve allegedly used as a hideout by kidnappers.
Reacting to the reports, Chubado cautioned against linking an entire ethnic group to criminal activities allegedly committed by a few individuals, warning that such narratives could heighten ethnic tensions and undermine efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security.
According to the group, Fulani communities across Nigeria are made up largely of law-abiding citizens who reject terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
The organisation stressed that criminal offences should be addressed on an individual basis rather than being attributed to an entire ethnic group, noting that collective blame could fuel hostility and violence.
It further expressed concern over what it described as a recurring trend of associating Fulani communities with criminal activities without sufficient evidence, saying such generalisations pose a threat to national unity and peaceful coexistence.
“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.