The leadership of Fulani communities in South-West Nigeria has publicly distanced itself from recent kidnapping allegations linked to some arrests in Ogun State.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Council of Fulani Chiefs in the region expressed concern over the growing trend of generalising criminal acts committed by suspected individuals and attributing them to the entire Fulani ethnic group.

The council stressed that such narratives are unfair and capable of creating ethnic tension in communities that have coexisted peacefully for many years.

Speaking through its chairman and Sarkin Fulani of Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Bambado II, the group reaffirmed its commitment to peace, security, and lawful coexistence with other ethnic groups in the South-West.

He emphasised that members of the Fulani community are also victims of insecurity and have no interest in supporting any form of criminal activity that threatens lives, property, and social harmony.

The statement further made it clear that any persons currently under investigation for kidnapping or related offences should be treated as individuals and not as representatives of the entire Fulani population.

The council also condemned kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, and other violent crimes, describing them as harmful to the stability and development of the region.

It urged security agencies to carry out thorough investigations without bias and called on residents to support law enforcement with credible information that could help in tackling crime.Additionally, the Fulani leadership appealed to the media and the public to avoid inflammatory reporting that could worsen ethnic relations.

The council reiterated its support for ongoing security efforts and promised continued cooperation with authorities to promote peace, unity, and mutual understanding across the South-West.