A Fulani socio-cultural group, the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other South-West governors to intervene over recent comments made by Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho.
The group expressed concern following reports that Igboho issued an ultimatum to Fulani leaders in Oyo State over the alleged abduction of a woman and her family members by suspected kidnappers.
In a statement released on Sunday, the organisation warned against linking criminal activities to an entire ethnic group, saying such narratives could heighten tensions and threaten peaceful coexistence.
According to the group, while criminality should be condemned and tackled decisively, individuals responsible for crimes should be treated as offenders without branding entire communities.
The organisation maintained that many Fulani residents across the country are law-abiding citizens who should not be unfairly associated with the actions of a few criminal elements.
It also raised concerns about previous conflicts involving Fulani settlements in parts of Oyo State, alleging that innocent residents suffered losses during past crises.
The group further argued that issues such as kidnapping and farmer-herder disputes should be addressed through lawful security measures rather than ethnic profiling or inflammatory rhetoric.
Consequently, it called on political leaders in the South-West to help reduce tensions and promote peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups.
The organisation also urged Nigerians to support security agencies in the fight against crime while avoiding statements capable of fueling division or hostility.
Source: Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria
