Fulani pastoralists engaged in cattle rearing and other livestock-related activities across the South-West region have been urged to strengthen collaboration with government authorities and security agencies to promote peace and enhance the safety of their host communities, particularly within areas of pastoral activities.
This call was made by the convener of the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria (CFPN), Ibrahim Barkindo Chubado, on Monday, following comments by Yoruba activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, in response to an earlier statement of the group.
The group had previously appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, to intervene following statements attributed to Sunday Igboho concerning security challenges in parts of Oyo State, particularly the Ibarapa area.
The CFPN expressed concern that criminal activities perpetrated by bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers were being wrongly attributed to peaceful Fulani residents and pastoralists across the South West.
Reacting on Monday, Sunday Igboho clarified that while he remained committed to advocating for improved security in the region, he was not opposed to any ethnic or religious group.
His comments were seen as a response to concerns earlier raised by the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria.
The CFPN welcomed Igboho’s clarification, describing it as a positive step towards strengthening peaceful coexistence and discouraging ethnic profiling.
Chubado said: “We sincerely thank our host Yoruba communities, especially those in the Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun zones of Oyo State, for their understanding, as reflected in the recent statement by Sunday Igboho.
“While it is important to state that we are not responsible for criminal activities perpetrated in the forests and bushes, as we and our animals are equally victims, we want to reassure everyone that we remain committed to supporting all efforts aimed at protecting lives and property in our areas of residence and business throughout Yorubaland.
“We have consistently worked with security agencies by providing useful information that has led to the arrest and prosecution of kidnappers and other criminal elements.
‘We are also pleased to note that the common challenges between herders and farmers, particularly when livestock stray into farmlands, are often resolved through peaceful dialogue and established conflict-resolution mechanisms.
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“Just as Fulani pastoralists continue to cooperate with their host communities in various aspects of daily life, we also appeal to authorities, community leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders to guarantee our safety and protection.
“Fulani pastoralists are equally victims of banditry, terrorism, cattle rustling, and violent attacks, often without receiving adequate support or attention.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to live and conduct our legitimate businesses in Yorubaland. We have no intention of causing harm to our host communities. Criminals should be identified and prosecuted based on their actions, not their ethnicity, religion, or cultural background. Whether Yoruba, Igbo, Fulani, Christian, or Muslim, criminality has no ethnic or religious identity.
“Rather than allowing criminals to sow division, hatred, and distrust among our people, we must unite in support of the government and security agencies in the fight against insecurity. Together, we must say: No to banditry! No to terrorism! No to ethnic and religious hatred!”
The CFPN reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and constructive engagement with all communities across the South West and Nigeria as a whole.
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