Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
As Nigeria continues to grapple with rising insecurity, violent extremism, and banditry, a troubling narrative has emerged in public discourse: the unfair ethnic profiling of the Fulani people. Recent national conversations have increasingly linked the Fulani community to terrorism and criminality, a sweeping generalization that ignores the reality that every ethnic group contains both law-abiding citizens and, in rare cases, individuals engaged in criminal acts.
Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo, in a press statement, decried this growing trend, warning that labeling an entire ethnic group for the actions of a few not only distorts reality but also risks deepening societal divisions at a time when national unity and collaboration are most needed. Drawing on historical parallels, he pointed to the global Jewish community, emphasizing that while the State of Israel has been accused of committing atrocities in Gaza, it would be both unjust and illogical to attribute collective guilt to all Jews or assume all Jews are Zionists. By the same measure, it is reckless and inaccurate to portray all Fulani people as terrorists or bandits.
Chief Omirhobo further noted that in similar crises worldwide, communities have openly condemned wrongdoing perpetrated in their name. Jews, for example, have publicly dissociated themselves from atrocities in Gaza, demonstrating moral responsibility and civic courage. He argued that the Fulani community must follow a similar path. In this context, patriotic and peace-loving Fulani individuals and organizations are called upon to raise their voices against extremism, criminality, and violence, showing clearly that loyalty to the Nigerian Constitution and the collective welfare of the nation supersedes ethnic loyalty or silence.
The statement highlights the urgent role of Fulani leaders, elders, youth organizations, religious authorities, and civic-minded individuals in actively participating in the fight against insecurity. Beyond public condemnation, the Fulani are urged to cooperate fully with the Nigerian security agencies — including the Army, Police, and Department of State Services — by sharing intelligence, supporting lawful operations, and helping to identify criminal elements hiding within communities. Such actions, Chief Omirhobo argued, are essential not only for national security but also for protecting the reputation and dignity of the Fulani people, who constitute a vital part of Nigeria’s social fabric.
Beyond the immediate call to action, the statement underscores a broader civic lesson: peace and security cannot be achieved if entire communities withdraw into silence or ethnic defensiveness. Nigeria’s struggle against terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism requires broad cooperation, active citizen participation, and a commitment to shared national values. Criminals, he reminded, have no tribe, no religion, and no ethnicity, but good citizens do. The moral responsibility, therefore, falls upon law-abiding citizens to rise, defend the nation, and reject narratives that seek to assign collective blame unjustly.
Chief Omirhobo concluded with a strong appeal to patriotic Fulani: to publicly stand against criminality and extremism, to demonstrate courage in the face of stereotyping, and to affirm their commitment to the Constitution and the unity of Nigeria. “Nigeria is watching, and history is recording,” he said. “Let the good Fulani rise, be counted, and show the nation that peace, justice, and civic responsibility transcend ethnic lines.”
This statement comes at a critical time in Nigeria’s history, as communities across the North face increasing threats from armed groups, while public perception risks being manipulated by simplistic or politically motivated narratives. The challenge, Chief Omirhobo emphasized, is for citizens to reject ethnic generalizations, actively participate in national security, and work collectively toward a Nigeria that is united, safe, and just for all its people.
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