'It is a trite fact that criminality has no tribe and to assume otherwise is to engage in collective illusory self-deception,' Prof Tukur Muhammad-Baba, National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum, said.

Igboho, whose real name is Sunday Adeyemo, is a Yoruba Nation agitator who has been accused of ethnic profiling and inciting violence against Fulani people in Oyo State. His advocacy for effective security in the South-West has been met with fierce resistance from Fulani leaders, who claim he is unfairly targeting their community.

The controversy began with the abduction of a pregnant woman and her relatives in the Igboho community. Igboho took to social media to declare a two-hour ultimatum to Fulani leaders in the area, demanding the release of the kidnapped victims. He accused unnamed Fulani men of engaging in kidnappings and alleged that the victims were being held in a forest location within the community.

The Arewa Consultative Forum and the Northern Elders Forum have warned that Nigeria risks sliding into anarchy if the Federal Government fails to rein in Igboho's activities. The two groups accused Igboho of ethnic profiling and cautioned that attempts to hold an entire ethnic group responsible for the actions of suspected criminals could inflame tensions, provoke reprisals and undermine national unity.

Igboho, however, defended his move, adding that his advocacy for effective security of the South-West was not targeted at any ethnic nationality but rather against criminal elements, who are perpetrating abduction, killings, banditry, and other vices. His reaction came as the Oyo State police command and the Oorelope Local Government chairman dismissed reports that the abducted woman, Mrs Kuburat Omowumi, her son and other relatives had regained their freedom, insisting that they remained in captivity and that rescue efforts were ongoing.

Prof Abubakar Jiddere, spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum, condemned the abduction and accused Igboho of creating a sense of fear and insecurity in the country. He warned that the actions of Igboho could lead to retaliatory attacks against the Yoruba Nation and undermine national unity.

Key Facts:

  • Igboho's ultimatum was issued on Monday, June 20, 2026
  • The abducted woman, Mrs Kuburat Omowumi, her son and other relatives were taken on June 17, 2026
  • The Oyo State police command and the Oorelope Local Government chairman have confirmed that the victims are still in captivity
  • The Arewa Consultative Forum and the Northern Elders Forum have warned that Nigeria risks sliding into anarchy if the Federal Government fails to rein in Igboho's activities
  • Igboho has defended his move, saying his advocacy for effective security of the South-West is not targeted at any ethnic nationality but rather against criminal elements