Fulani pastoralists operating across the South-West have been urged to intensify cooperation with security agencies and host communities by exposing criminal elements threatening peace in the region.
The call was made on Monday by the Convener of the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, Ibrahim Barkindo Chubado, in a statement issued in response to recent remarks by Yoruba activist Sunday Adeyemo.
The group said its appeal followed earlier concerns raised over statements attributed to Adeyemo regarding insecurity in parts of Oyo State, particularly the Ibarapa axis, where tensions have persisted over killings, kidnappings and farmer-herder clashes.
Chubado noted that the group had previously called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene, warning against the blanket profiling of Fulani pastoralists for crimes allegedly committed by bandits and kidnappers.
Reacting to the development, Adeyemo clarified that his advocacy was focused on improving security and not targeted at any ethnic or religious group. The CFPN described the clarification as a “positive step” towards easing tensions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We sincerely appreciate our host Yoruba communities, especially in Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun, for their understanding as reflected in the recent statement by Sunday Igboho,” Chubado said.
He stressed that Fulani herders were not responsible for criminal activities in forested areas, noting that they were also victims of banditry, terrorism and cattle rustling.
According to him, pastoralists have continued to support security efforts by providing intelligence that has led to the arrest and prosecution of criminal suspects.
Chubado added that disputes between herders and farmers—particularly those arising from grazing on farmlands—were often resolved through dialogue and existing conflict-resolution channels.
He, however, called on government authorities, traditional rulers and community leaders to ensure the protection of law-abiding pastoralists, warning that many herders suffer attacks without adequate response.
“Criminals should be identified and prosecuted based on their actions, not their ethnicity or religion. Whether Yoruba, Igbo or Fulani, crime has no ethnic identity,” he said.
The group urged all stakeholders to unite against insecurity and resist attempts to fuel ethnic division, reiterating its commitment to peaceful coexistence.
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