A Fulani advocacy group has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other South-West governors to step into the growing controversy surrounding recent comments made by Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Igboho.

The call comes days after Igboho reportedly issued a two-hour deadline to Fulani leaders in Igboho, Oyo State, demanding the release of a woman, her children and a relative who were allegedly abducted by kidnappers.

His warning sparked widespread reactions across the country, with many residents praising his tough stance against insecurity while others expressed concerns over the possible implications of linking criminal activities to an entire ethnic group.

Reacting to the development, the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria said security challenges facing the country should be addressed without creating tensions between ethnic communities.

The group’s convener, Ibrahim Barkindo Chubado, stated that while kidnapping and other violent crimes must be confronted decisively, innocent Fulani residents should not be held responsible for crimes committed by a few individuals.

According to the organisation, many Fulani families living in different parts of the country are peaceful citizens who go about their daily activities lawfully and should not be subjected to suspicion because of the actions of criminal elements.

The group also recalled previous conflicts involving Fulani settlements in parts of Oyo State, claiming that several innocent residents suffered losses during those incidents.

While condemning kidnapping, banditry and other forms of criminality, the organisation maintained that security agencies should focus on identifying and prosecuting offenders rather than allowing entire communities to be labelled based on ethnicity.

The group further urged political leaders in the South-West to promote dialogue, peaceful coexistence and lawful approaches to tackling insecurity, warning that ethnic profiling could deepen divisions at a time when national unity is needed most.

It also called on Nigerians to support efforts aimed at improving security while avoiding actions or statements capable of inflaming ethnic tensions.