Tensions have escalated over security concerns in parts of South-West Nigeria following a warning from northern socio political groups, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), who cautioned that the country could drift into anarchy if authorities fail to rein in Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The warning followed Igboho’s reported ultimatum to Fulani leaders in Oyo State after the abduction of a pregnant woman and members of her family, an action that sparked accusations of ethnic profiling and heightened public debate over insecurity and communal relations.
The groups, alongside several Fulani associations, argued that blaming an entire ethnic group for the actions of suspected criminals could worsen tensions and trigger reprisals. In response, Igboho maintained that his campaign was not directed at any ethnic nationality but at criminal elements responsible for kidnapping and violence.
“While we respect the constitutional right to protest, demonstrations must remain peaceful and must not endanger lives or property,” Natjoints Chairperson Tebello Mosikili said, as security agencies reviewed preparations around the controversy.
The ACF, through its National Publicity Secretary Prof Tukur Muhammad Baba, described Igboho’s ultimatum as “unconstitutional, dangerous and capable of worsening the country’s security challenges,” insisting that no individual has the authority to issue such directives.
“The ultimatum is condemnable as it presumes the specific kidnappers represent the whole Fulani group without exception,” he said, adding that criminality should not be linked to ethnicity since “criminality has no tribe.”
He further warned that unchecked actions by non state actors could deepen instability. “Their activities pose a threat to national security, and if they remain unrestrained, there is a risk of copycat backlash from others and our slide into catastrophic anarchy and atavism.”
The NEF echoed similar concerns, with spokesperson Prof Abubakar Jiddere warning against ethnic profiling and stressing that kidnappers cannot be linked to any single group. “The question is, who told them it is the Fulani people who carried out the kidnapping?” he said, noting that insecurity affects all regions and communities.
He added that victims of crime include many Fulani communities themselves, arguing that “Fulani people suffer more than any ethnic group as a result of banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling.”
The Coalition of Northern Groups also criticised any attempt to assign collective responsibility to an entire community, with National Coordinator Jamilu Charanchi stating, “Criminal responsibility is individual, and law abiding Fulani residents should not be held accountable for the actions of criminal elements.”
Despite the backlash, Igboho insisted his actions were aimed at protecting communities in the South West. In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, he said, “We will never advocate hatred against any ethnic group. Our position has always been very clear: criminals should be identified, arrested and prosecuted.”
He added that his advocacy remained focused on security and justice, not ethnic division, and urged stronger cooperation between citizens and security agencies to tackle rising criminal activity across the region.
