The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) have expressed concern over rising tensions in Oyo State, warning that Nigeria could face serious security and ethnic challenges if authorities fail to address the controversy surrounding Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The warning follows Igboho’s reported ultimatum to Fulani leaders in Igboho community, Oyo State, after the abduction of a pregnant woman, her children and other relatives by suspected kidnappers.
According to reports, the activist accused some members of the Fulani community of being linked to the kidnapping and demanded the immediate release of the victims. During a meeting with community leaders, he reportedly issued a two-hour deadline and warned of consequences if the victims were not freed.
The incident has generated widespread reactions across the country, with northern socio-political groups cautioning against actions or statements that could inflame ethnic tensions.
Leaders within the ACF and NEF reportedly argued that allowing individuals or groups to issue ultimatums to entire communities could undermine the authority of security agencies and threaten national unity. They urged the Federal Government to act swiftly to prevent further escalation and ensure that all security matters remain within the framework of the law.
The groups warned that unresolved tensions between ethnic communities could deepen existing divisions and create conditions capable of triggering wider unrest if not carefully managed.
The controversy began after reports emerged that a pregnant woman and several family members were abducted by suspected kidnappers in the Igboho area of Oyo State. According to accounts from local sources, the kidnappers allegedly demanded a ransom running into hundreds of millions of naira before negotiations reportedly broke down.
In a video that circulated on social media, Igboho expressed anger over the incident, alleging that criminal elements operating within the area had continued to terrorize residents. He insisted that the abduction and alleged killing of victims could no longer be tolerated in his hometown.
Subsequent reports indicated that some of the abducted victims were later released, although the exact circumstances surrounding their freedom remained unclear at the time. Residents were seen celebrating the development in videos shared online.
Meanwhile, several groups have called on both federal and state authorities to intervene and prevent the situation from escalating into ethnic confrontation. A Fulani socio-cultural organization also urged President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to caution against inflammatory statements and ensure that security agencies handle criminal investigations.
Security analysts have repeatedly warned that the country’s growing insecurity, particularly kidnapping and banditry, requires coordinated law enforcement responses rather than ethnic profiling or community reprisals.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Federal Government nor security agencies had issued an official statement specifically responding to the latest concerns raised by the ACF and NEF. However, authorities continue to emphasize that issues relating to public security and criminal activities should be addressed through lawful institutions.
