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Fulani herdsmen operating in the South West have been urged to step up cooperation with security agencies and host communities by reporting 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 call follows concerns previously raised over statements attributed to Adeyemo regarding insecurity in some parts of Oyo State, particularly Ibarapa axis, where tensions persist due to killings, kidnappings and clashes between farmers and herdsmen.
Chubado noted that the group had earlier called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene, warning against widespread profiling of Fulani herdsmen for crimes allegedly committed by bandits and kidnappers.
Reacting to the development, Adeyemo clarified that his advocacy was focused on improving security and was 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 highlighted in the recent statement by Sunday Igboho,” Chubado said.
He stressed that Fulani herdsmen are not responsible for criminal activities in the forested areas, stressing that they are also victims of banditry, terrorism and cattle rustling.
According to him, the herdsmen continued to support security efforts by providing information that led to the arrest and prosecution of suspected criminals.
Chubado added that disputes between herders and farmers, especially those arising from grazing on farmland, are 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 herders, warning that many herders face attacks without an 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 stoke ethnic division, reiterating its commitment to peaceful coexistence.
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