Oyo State stakeholders reject ethnic profiling in fight against insecurity

In response to escalating insecurity, including recent abductions, stakeholders in Nigeria's Oyo State have emphasized the critical need for unified action and cautioned against divisive ethnic profiling. A high-level security meeting convened in the state brought together diverse groups, Fulani leaders, security agencies, farmers, traditional rulers, and community representatives, to address kidnapping, farmer-herder conflicts, and foster peaceful coexistence.

Ibrahim Jiji, Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and a convener of the meeting, highlighted the collective responsibility in maintaining peace. While acknowledging the government's efforts, he stressed that security cannot be solely guaranteed by authorities. "We, the people, also have a responsibility to ensure peace," Jiji stated, underscoring the importance of citizen participation.

Jiji specifically addressed the tendency to associate criminal activities with the entire Fulani community, noting the discrimination faced by many innocent Fulani individuals. He advocated for treating criminality as an individual issue, not an ethnic one. "We are not criminals. We are not kidnappers. If we have a Fulani who is a criminal, we will not hide him. Likewise, if there is a criminal among our host Yoruba communities, they should not hide him. This is how to ensure peace," he asserted.

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We, the people, also have a responsibility to ensure peace.

Alhaji Baba Othman Ngelzarma, National President of MACBAN, represented at the meeting, praised the existing peaceful relationship between Fulani and their host communities in Oyo State as a model. However, he expressed concern over declining social cohesion in other areas due to ethnic and communal tensions. Ngelzarma urged affluent members of the Fulani community to support vulnerable individuals and called for continued cooperation among traditional rulers, community leaders, and citizens with security agencies.

The meeting concluded with participants resolving to work collaboratively to sustain peace, improve intelligence sharing, and strengthen cooperation between communities and security forces. This collective approach aims to tackle the root causes of insecurity and promote a more stable environment for all residents.

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We are not criminals. We are not kidnappers. If we have a Fulani who is a criminal, we will not hide him. Likewise, if there is a criminal among our host Yoruba communities, they should not hide him. This is how to ensure peace.