Abduction: Fulani group urges Tinubu, Makinde to call Sunday Igboho to order

A Fulani socio-cultural organisation, the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, has called on President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other South-West governors to caution Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, over what it described as inflammatory remarks against Fulani communities in Oyo State.

The group’s reaction followed reports that Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to Fulani leaders in Oyo State over the alleged abduction of a woman, her children and a sibling by suspected kidnappers.

According to reports, Igboho threatened to confront those he believed were responsible if the victims were not released within the stipulated period and vowed to invade a forest reserve allegedly being used as a hideout by the kidnappers.

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 group also described farmer-herder clashes as largely economic disputes that should not be transformed into ethnic or religious confrontations.

It warned that inflammatory rhetoric and ethnic profiling could worsen insecurity and threaten national unity if left unchecked.

Consequently, the organisation called on President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and other South-West governors to take proactive steps to de-escalate tensions and promote peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups.

It also urged Nigerians to support security agencies in tackling kidnapping, banditry and other crimes through lawful means while avoiding ethnic or religious generalisations.