Fulani leaders, farmers, security agencies, traditional institutions and community representatives have pledged to strengthen peaceful coexistence and collective efforts to combat insecurity in Oyo State following the recent abduction and rescue of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.

The commitment was made at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Oyo State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to address kidnapping, farmer-herder conflicts and emerging security challenges across the state.

Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of MACBAN in Oyo State, Ibrahim Jiji, said the gathering was organised to draw attention to security concerns affecting Fulani communities and to promote shared responsibility for sustaining peace.

While commending the Oyo State Government for its efforts at maintaining security, Jiji stressed that lasting peace could only be achieved through collaboration between government and citizens.

“We, the people, also have a responsibility to ensure peace,” he said.

Jiji condemned kidnapping and other criminal activities, urging the public to distinguish between law-abiding Fulani residents and individuals involved in crime.

“We are not criminals. We are not kidnappers. If we have a Fulani who is a criminal, we will not hide him. Likewise, if there is a criminal among our host Yoruba communities, they should not hide him. This is how to ensure peace,” he said.

He lamented what he described as the growing tendency to stigmatise the entire Fulani community over the actions of a few criminal elements, noting that such perceptions had led to persecution of innocent pastoralists in some parts of the state.

National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Othman Ngelzarma, represented by A.B. Danmasani, described the cordial relationship between Fulani communities and their hosts in Oyo State as a model worthy of emulation across the country.

He expressed concern over rising ethnic and communal tensions in parts of Nigeria, warning that the erosion of social cohesion could worsen insecurity if not addressed.

Ngelzarma also urged affluent members of the Fulani community to support vulnerable pastoralists and called on traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to cooperate with security agencies in promoting peace.
Representing the Chairman of Oyo West Local Government, Ambassador Muyideen Adeyemi said harmonious relations had existed between Yoruba residents and Fulani communities in the council area.

He clarified that the meeting was convened not only for Oyo West but as part of broader efforts to foster peace and security across Oyo State.

Adeyemi, however, advocated greater involvement of traditional rulers in future engagements, noting that they remain critical channels for communicating government policies and security messages to rural communities.
He also urged MACBAN leaders across the state’s local government areas to establish closer working relationships with their respective council chairmen.

Representing the Chairman of the Oyo State Farmers’ Council, Oladeji Emmanuel said the relationship between farmers and pastoralists should not be defined by hostility, arguing that most disputes stem from economic interests over land, crops and livestock rather than ethnic differences.

“Farmers and Fulani are not enemies. The issues between them are largely economic and can be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding,” he said.

Emmanuel called for sustained communication and collaboration among farmers, Fulani leaders, traditional institutions, local governments and security agencies to prevent conflicts and strengthen peaceful coexistence across the state.