Fulani group asks Tinubu, Makinde to caution Igboho over remarks
By Adejayan Gbenga
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 Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, over what it described as inflammatory remarks directed at Fulani communities in the state.
The group made the call in a statement issued on Sunday by its Convener, Ibrahim Barkindo Chubado, expressing concern that recent comments attributed to Igboho could heighten ethnic tensions and undermine efforts to promote peaceful coexistence.
The appeal followed reports that Igboho gave Fulani leaders in Oyo State a two-hour ultimatum over the alleged abduction of a woman and her children, demanding their release within the stipulated period.
According to the reports, Igboho also threatened to confront those he believed were responsible for the abduction and vowed to enter a forest reserve allegedly being used as a hideout by the suspected kidnappers if the victims were not released.
Reacting to the development, Chubado warned against profiling entire Fulani communities for crimes allegedly committed by a few individuals, saying such actions could fuel division and mistrust among ethnic groups.
He maintained that Fulani people across the country are opposed to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality, stressing that criminal acts should not be attributed to any ethnic group as a whole.
The group said Fulani communities are made up largely of law-abiding citizens who contribute positively to society and should not be collectively blamed for the activities of criminal elements operating within or outside their 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. We are calling on the authorities to call Igboho to order,” the statement said.
