The Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, has clarified that his campaign for improved security in the South-West is not directed at any ethnic nationality, but rather focused on criminal elements responsible for abductions, killings, banditry and other violent crimes.
In a statement released on Monday through his spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, Igboho called for unity among Nigerians regardless of ethnic, religious or political differences, urging collaboration with government and security agencies to tackle insecurity.
His remarks come in response to a statement by the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, which had urged President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to caution the activist over alleged inflammatory comments.
Reacting to the group’s position, Igboho dismissed the claims, describing them as “baseless, misplaced priority and distortion of facts over insecurity ravaging some communities in Yorubaland.”
“It is obvious that since my agitation for improved security in 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 statement read.
He described the call by the Fulani group as “myopic, uninformed and ridiculous,” insisting that his advocacy is centred on protecting innocent lives and maintaining peace and justice.
“Our concern and primary focus have always been the protection of innocent lives and the preservation of peace, security and justice,” it added.
Igboho stressed that criminals should be arrested and prosecuted regardless of ethnic or religious background, noting that crime has no ethnic identity.
“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 enforcement agencies regardless of their ethnic, religious and political inclinations because crime has no colour or race,” he said.
He further argued that it is wrong to interpret security concerns in the South-West as ethnic profiling, saying residents are facing serious threats from violent attackers in rural communities.
The activist also commended security chiefs, including the Inspector General of Police, the Department of State Services, and other agencies, for their efforts in combating crime in the region and across the country.
He added that while he remains ready to collaborate with security agencies, the responsibility for ensuring safety should be shared among government, stakeholders and communities.
Igboho concluded that rather than calling for his caution, critics should support stronger security measures to dismantle criminal networks and bring justice to victims of kidnapping and violence.
