The Council of Fulani Leaders has distanced its members from the growing cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities reported across the Southwest region, insisting that law-abiding Fulani communities should not be unfairly profiled or blamed for crimes committed by individuals.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting, the leadership of the council maintained that the vast majority of Fulani residents in the Southwest are peaceful citizens engaged in legitimate businesses, particularly cattle rearing, farming, and trade.
The council expressed concern over what it described as increasing stigmatization of Fulani communities whenever incidents of kidnapping occur, noting that such generalizations could fuel ethnic tension and undermine efforts to address insecurity.
According to the group’s spokesperson, criminality has no ethnic identity, stressing that security agencies should focus on identifying and prosecuting offenders based on evidence rather than associating crimes with any particular ethnic group.
“We condemn kidnapping and all forms of criminality in the strongest terms. Our people are not involved in these activities, and we remain committed to supporting security agencies in their efforts to ensure peace and security across the Southwest,” the spokesperson said.
The council further disclosed that it has consistently encouraged its members to cooperate with law enforcement authorities by providing useful information that could aid investigations and help apprehend criminal elements operating within various communities.
While acknowledging the security challenges facing parts of the country, the Fulani leaders called on government at all levels to strengthen intelligence gathering and community policing initiatives to effectively tackle kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes.
The group also appealed to residents of the Southwest to continue fostering peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups, emphasizing that unity and collaboration remain critical to overcoming insecurity.
The statement comes amid renewed public concern over incidents of kidnapping in parts of the Southwest, with security agencies intensifying efforts to track down perpetrators and ensure the safety of residents.
The council reiterated its commitment to peace, national unity, and constructive engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies in promoting security and harmonious relations across the region.