ACF, NEF warn against anarchy as Igboho defends ultimatum over Oyo kidnapping

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) have warned that Nigeria risks sliding into anarchy if the Federal Government fails to address the controversy surrounding Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, over his reported ultimatum to Fulani leaders in Oyo State.

 

The warning follows a viral video in which Igboho allegedly gave Fulani leaders in the Igboho community, Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State, a two-hour ultimatum to secure the release of kidnapped victims, including a pregnant woman and her relatives.

 

Reacting on Monday, Igboho defended his actions, insisting that his campaign was directed at criminal elements and not any ethnic group.

 

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, the activist said his advocacy has always focused on tackling kidnapping, killings and other violent crimes affecting communities in the South-West.

 

“We have never advocated hatred against any ethnic group. Our position has always been very clear: criminals should be identified, arrested and prosecuted regardless of their ethnic, religious or political affiliations because crime has no colour or race,” the statement read.

 

However, the ACF described the ultimatum as unconstitutional and capable of worsening the country’s security situation.

 

Its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, warned against ethnic profiling, saying criminality should not be attributed to an entire ethnic group.

 

He urged the Federal Government, security agencies, traditional rulers and religious leaders to intervene before the situation escalates.

 

Similarly, the Northern Elders Forum, through its spokesperson Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, condemned the kidnapping but insisted that no ethnic group should be blamed for crimes committed by individuals.

 

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) and several Fulani associations also criticised the ultimatum, warning against collective blame and calling for intelligence-led policing and adherence to constitutional rights.

 

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command and the Oorelope Local Government chairman dismissed reports that the abducted victims had regained their freedom, confirming that they remain in captivity while rescue efforts continue.

 

On its part, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere condemned the rising insecurity in Oke-Ogun and renewed its call for the establishment of state police, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and curb kidnappings across the region.