Igboho Responds to Critics: Security Is a National Duty, Not an Ethnic Conflict

The campaign against kidnapping and killings targets criminals, not any ethnic group.

By Adeola Badru

Chief Sunday Adeyemo, known as Sunday Igboho, a Yoruba Nation activist, has stated that his ongoing push for better security in the South‑West and elsewhere in Nigeria targets criminal actors who threaten public safety, not any ethnic group.

He issued this clarification on Monday after the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria (CFPN) asked President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to warn him about his remarks on regional insecurity.

He dismissed CFPN’s position as a deliberate misrepresentation of his longstanding view, calling the demand a distraction from the pressing issue of escalating insecurity that affects communities nationwide.

Through a statement from his spokesman, Olayomi Koiki, Igboho emphasized that the struggle against kidnapping, banditry, violent attacks, rape and killings must go beyond ethnic, religious and political lines, and he urged Nigerians to unite in restoring peace and security across the country.

“It is obvious that since my agitation for improved security in the South‑West and other parts of the country, I have never declared war against any ethnic group but have consistently voiced my position against criminal elements responsible for kidnapping, vicious killings, rape and violent attacks across Yoruba communities.”

“The call by this faceless CFPN is myopic, uninformed and ridiculous. Our concern and primary focus have always been the protection of innocent lives and the preservation of peace, security and justice.”

“We will never advocate hatred against any ethnic group. Our position has always been very clear: criminals should be identified, arrested and prosecuted by the law