Fulani group urges Tinubu and Makinde to restore order in Igboho

A Fulani socio‑cultural group, operating under the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, has urged President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to summon the Yoruba activist Sunday Adeyemo—known as Sunday Igboho—to address “inflammatory remarks” made about Fulani communities in the state.

The appeal was issued in a statement released by the group’s convener, Ibrahim Barkindo Chubado, on Sunday.

It follows reports that Igboho issued a two‑hour ultimatum to Fulani leaders in Oyo State concerning the alleged abduction of a woman and her children. According to the report, Igboho warned that he would confront those he believed responsible if the victims were not released within the deadline, and pledged to raid a forest reserve that he said was being used as a hideout by the kidnappers.

Chubado cautioned that profiling Fulani communities for crimes allegedly committed by individuals could deepen ethnic tensions and undermine peace and security efforts. He emphasized that the Fulani people oppose terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal acts, and that criminal behaviour should not be attributed to an entire ethnic group.

The group noted that Fulani communities across the country are largely law‑abiding citizens who should not be collectively blamed for the actions of criminals. It expressed concern over a recurring tendency to link Fulani communities with criminal activities without sufficient evidence, warning that such generalisations could fuel hostility and violence.

“We are not saying there are no bad eggs among Fulani, Hausa or other Northern ethnic groups,” the statement read. “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,” it added.