A statement issued by the Media Office Of Sarkin Fulani Of Lagos, HRH Alhaji (Dr) Mohammed Abubakar Bambado II, on Thursday, called for immediate action to address such acts of violence.
The South-West Fulani chiefs have expressed their “deep concern” over the recent tragic killing of Ekiti traditional rulers.
A statement issued by the Media Office Of Sarkin Fulani Of Lagos, HRH Alhaji (Dr) Mohammed Abubakar Bambado II, on Thursday, called for immediate action to address such acts of violence.
Reacting to the incident, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Bambado II, the Chairman of the South West Council of Fulani Chiefs and Sarkin Fulani of Lagos, said, "It is worrisome to see criminal acts escalate to the point of causing ethnic tensions.
“We are calling on the government, security, and intelligence agencies to proactively address crime, to prevent it from leading to ethnic and religious conflicts. It's crucial to act decisively against criminality to foster a sense of unity among our people."
In the statement, Bambado II said, "We also want to address the quick judgment some may have towards other ethnic groups based on media reports of criminal activities.
“It is important to remember that crime does not belong to any particular group. Just as there have been criminals identified as members of other tribes, it is unfair to single out the Fulani community in cases of crimes in a way that suggests profiling them as if they are good for nothing other than criminality.
“Ethnic profiling is not the solution to our security challenges; it's the responsibility of the authorities to enforce the law impartially.
"We also wish to clarify that the Fulani community, like any other, is committed to the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria despite the challenges we face. We stand against any form of crime, regardless of the perpetrator's ethnic or religious background. Our stance remains firm: If a Fulani individual commits a crime, they should face the consequences as dictated by law.
"The recent accusations and media portrayal of the Fulani community in the wake of crimes in the South West are concerning. We urge everyone to refrain from jumping to conclusions without evidence and to work towards unity rather than division.
"In the light of the recent killing of two Ekiti traditional rulers, we express our condolences and condemn these acts in the strongest terms. We appreciate the efforts of the Ekiti State Police Command in clarifying the situation and preventing further ethnic tensions."
"Let's remember that crime is a societal issue, not tied to any particular group. By working together, respecting the law and avoiding unjust accusations, we can overcome the challenges we face. Let's unite in our efforts to make Nigeria a peaceful and prosperous nation for all," he added.