By Charles Chijioke
A Fulani socio-cultural organisation, the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to caution Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, over what it described as inflammatory comments directed at Fulani communities in Oyo State.
Afrilensnews reports that the appeal followed reports that Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to Fulani leaders in the state regarding the alleged abduction of a woman and her children by suspected kidnappers.
According to reports, Igboho threatened to personally confront those behind the crime if the victims were not released within the stipulated period. He also vowed to enter a forest reserve allegedly being used by the kidnappers as a hideout.
Reacting in a statement issued on Sunday by its Convener, Ibrahim Barkindo Chubado, the group warned against profiling an entire ethnic community for crimes allegedly committed by a few individuals.
The organisation stressed that Fulani people across Nigeria are law-abiding citizens who reject terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality, insisting that offenders should be treated as individuals rather than representatives of an ethnic group.
The statement read: “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 group further expressed concern over what it termed a growing tendency to link Fulani communities to criminal activities without sufficient evidence, warning that such generalisations could heighten ethnic tensions and threaten peaceful coexistence.
The development comes amid heightened concerns over insecurity and kidnapping in parts of Oyo State. It also follows conflicting reports over the fate of the abducted victims, with police authorities reportedly disputing claims that they had regained freedom.
Political and security observers say the controversy could further inflame ethnic sensitivities in the South-West if not carefully managed, underscoring the need for authorities to pursue criminal elements without stigmatising entire communities.
Source: Daily Post Nigeria
