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Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho has defended his recent actions and comments on insecurity in Oyo State, insisting that his campaign is directed at criminal elements and not any ethnic group. The activist came under criticism after reportedly issuing an ultimatum to Fulani leaders in the Igboho community following the abduction of a pregnant woman and several relatives. In response, Igboho stated that his long-standing advocacy has focused on combating kidnapping, banditry, killings, and other violent crimes threatening communities in the South-West.
The controversy has drawn strong reactions from the Arewa Consultative Forum and the Northern Elders Forum, both of which warned that ethnic profiling could worsen tensions and push the country toward instability. Leaders of the groups argued that criminal acts should not be attributed to an entire ethnic community and stressed that every Nigerian has constitutional rights regardless of ethnicity or religion. They urged the Federal Government, security agencies, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to intervene and prevent the situation from escalating.
In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, Igboho rejected accusations of ethnic profiling, describing them as a distortion of his position. He maintained that his concern remains the protection of lives and property in Yoruba communities affected by kidnappings and violent attacks. The activist emphasized that criminals should be identified, arrested, and prosecuted regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds, adding that crime has no tribe or race. He also commended security agencies for ongoing operations against kidnappers and bandits across the country.
The debate comes amid growing national concern over worsening insecurity, particularly following recent kidnappings in Oyo and other parts of Nigeria. While northern groups have called for restraint and adherence to constitutional processes, pan-Yoruba organization Afenifere renewed its demand for state police and stronger community-based security structures. The latest dispute highlights the increasing pressure on authorities to address kidnapping and violent crime while preventing ethnic divisions that could further complicate Nigeria’s security challenges.
