A Fulani socio-cultural association, the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and other governors in the South-West to intervene and caution Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, over what it described as inflammatory statements directed at Fulani communities in Oyo State.
The group’s position comes in response to reports that Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to Fulani leaders in the state following the alleged abduction of a woman, her children, and a sibling by suspected kidnappers.
According to the reports, Igboho threatened to confront those he believed were responsible if the victims were not released within the stipulated timeframe. He further vowed to storm a forest reserve allegedly being used as a hideout by the kidnappers, raising concerns about potential escalation and communal tension.
Reacting in a statement signed by its Convener, Ibrahim Barkindo Chubado, and dated June 21, 2026, the group warned that profiling Fulani communities for crimes allegedly committed by individuals could deepen ethnic tensions and undermine efforts to promote peace and security.
The organisation stressed that Fulani people are opposed to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality, but maintained that criminal acts should not be attributed to an entire ethnic group.
According to the group, Fulani communities across the country are made up of law-abiding citizens who should not be collectively blamed for the actions of criminal elements.
It expressed concern over what it described as a recurring tendency to associate Fulani communities with criminal activities without sufficient evidence, warning that such generalisations could fuel hostility and violence.
The group further alleged that previous attacks on Fulani settlements in parts of Oyo State led to loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement of residents, including women and children.
It also referenced past crises in Ibarapa and Iganna areas of the state, claiming that many innocent Fulani residents suffered casualties during the conflicts.
While acknowledging that criminal elements exist in all ethnic groups, the organisation argued that offenders should be treated as criminals rather than used to stigmatise entire communities.
“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 said.
The organisation further noted that farmer–herder clashes across Nigeria are, at their core, economic disputes over land and resources, and should not be mischaracterised or inflamed into ethnic or religious confrontations.
It cautioned that inflammatory rhetoric and ethnic profiling risk aggravating insecurity and undermining national cohesion if left unchecked. Such divisive narratives, the group warned, could deepen mistrust among communities and threaten the fragile fabric of unity that binds the country together.
In light of these concerns, the organisation urged President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, and other South-West governors to adopt proactive measures aimed at de-escalating tensions and fostering peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups.
The group also appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies in their efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of criminality through lawful and constructive means, while avoiding sweeping ethnic or religious generalisations that could stigmatise entire communities.
