Insecurity: Fulani group urges herders to deepen security cooperation in South-West

The Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, CFPN, has urged Fulani pastoralists across the South-West to sustain cooperation with security agencies and host communities to strengthen peace and tackle criminal activities in the region.

The group made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna by its Convener, Ibrahim Chubado, while reacting to recent comments surrounding security concerns in parts of Oyo State.

Chubado said pastoralists involved in cattle rearing and other legitimate livestock businesses should continue supporting government efforts by providing credible information capable of exposing criminal elements operating within rural communities and grazing areas.

According to him, security challenges in parts of the South-West should not be used to stigmatise peaceful Fulani residents, noting that criminal activities must be addressed without ethnic or religious bias.

He welcomed recent remarks by Yoruba self-determination advocate, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, describing them as a positive development for peaceful coexistence and improved understanding among communities.

The convener said the clarification would help reduce tension and encourage constructive engagement between host communities and pastoralists.

“We appreciate the understanding shown by our host communities, particularly in Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun areas of Oyo State.

“We remain committed to contributing to the protection of lives and property and will continue to support lawful measures aimed at improving security,” he said.

Chubado stated that Fulani pastoralists had consistently collaborated with security agencies through intelligence sharing that contributed to efforts against kidnapping and other crimes.

He added that disputes arising from farmer-herder activities, especially incidents involving grazing livestock, had often been resolved through dialogue and existing conflict-management channels.

The CFPN convener appealed to government authorities, traditional institutions, youth groups and other stakeholders to guarantee the safety of pastoral communities, stressing that herders were also affected by insecurity, including cattle rustling and violent attacks.

He said peaceful Fulani residents remained committed to lawful economic activities and had no intention of disrupting the peace of their host communities.

Chubado emphasised that criminality should be treated as an individual act and not associated with ethnic, religious or cultural identity.

He called on Nigerians to support security agencies and reject narratives capable of promoting division and mistrust.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and continuous engagement with communities across the South-West and the country at large. NAN