From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Fulani community in Kwara State, has appealed to Government and security agencies, to step in urgently over alleged attacks on their members by vigilante groups in some parts of the state.
The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Kwara State, Alhaji Shehu Garba, made the appeal in a statement issued in Ilorin, saying the situation requires swift action to prevent further loss of lives.
According to him, “Some vigilante groups in Kwara South have been profiling our members as bandits and attacking them, even when they are going about their legitimate businesses. Unfortunately, some have lost their lives as a result.”
Garba stressed that the fight against banditry and criminality is a collective effort, but warned that targeting innocent people based on ethnicity would undermine peace and security.
He further urged traditional rulers to caution against such actions in their domains, noting that justice and fairness are critical to maintaining harmony.
“Ethnic profiling will not help government’s efforts to sustain peace,” he said.
The MACBAN leader also advised the state government to secure the vast forests in Kwara and put them to productive use to prevent infiltration by criminal elements from neighbouring states.
While commending the government and security agencies for their work so far in reducing crime, Garba called for more inclusive strategies that protect innocent citizens while tackling insecurity.
