ACF, NEF Warn of Anarchy Over Sunday Igboho’s Ultimatum to Fulani Leaders in Oyo

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) have expressed concern over recent comments by Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, warning that Nigeria could face a breakdown of law and order if authorities fail to address actions capable of inflaming ethnic tensions.

The warning follows a viral video in which Igboho reportedly issued a two-hour ultimatum to Fulani leaders in Igboho town, located in Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, demanding the release of individuals allegedly abducted by suspected kidnappers. The incident was linked to the reported abduction of a pregnant woman, her children, and a relative in the Oke-Ogun area of the state.

According to reports, Igboho accused some members of the Fulani community of being behind a series of kidnappings in the area and warned that failure to secure the victims’ release within the stipulated period could lead to a crisis. The activist made the remarks during a meeting attended by Fulani leaders, traditional authorities, and security representatives.

Reacting to the development, the National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, described the ultimatum as unconstitutional and potentially dangerous. He argued that holding an entire ethnic group responsible for the alleged crimes of a few individuals could worsen Nigeria’s security challenges and deepen existing divisions.

Muhammad-Baba called on the Federal Government, security agencies, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to intervene promptly and ensure that all parties operate within the confines of the law. He stressed that ethnic profiling and collective blame could trigger wider instability if left unchecked.

The Northern Elders Forum also reportedly expressed concern over the situation, emphasizing the need for lawful responses to insecurity and warning against actions that could encourage reprisals or undermine national cohesion. The group urged security agencies to remain impartial while intensifying efforts to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.

Meanwhile, Igboho has defended his actions, insisting that his intervention was motivated by growing insecurity in his hometown and the need to protect residents from recurring abductions. He maintained that criminality should not be tolerated, regardless of who is involved.

The controversy has generated widespread debate, with security agencies continuing investigations into the kidnapping allegations. The Oyo State Police Command has also reportedly launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding the ultimatum and the underlying security concerns raised by residents.

Observers say the incident highlights the growing frustration of communities affected by kidnapping and violent crime, while also underscoring the delicate balance required to address security threats without fuelling ethnic tensions in Nigeria’s multi-ethnic society.