The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to stop stereotyping Fulani people because of the activities of bandits and criminal elements operating in parts of the country.
Obi made the appeal while reacting to growing concerns over insecurity, particularly banditry, kidnapping and violent attacks in several northern states. He stressed that criminality should not be used as a basis for judging an entire ethnic group.
According to him, many Fulani citizens are law-abiding Nigerians who contribute significantly to the country’s economy and social development. He warned that generalising the actions of a few criminals could deepen ethnic divisions and undermine national unity.
The former Anambra State governor noted that insecurity remains a major challenge facing Nigeria and urged authorities to focus on identifying and prosecuting criminals rather than profiling communities based on ethnicity. He argued that tackling crime effectively requires intelligence-driven operations and collaboration among security agencies and local communities.
Obi said Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength rather than a source of division, adding that ethnic profiling often creates distrust and makes it more difficult to address security challenges.
His comments come amid renewed debates over banditry and violent attacks in parts of the North-West and North-Central regions, where criminal gangs have carried out kidnappings, cattle rustling and attacks on communities.
The Labour Party chieftain emphasized the need for unity among Nigerians, urging citizens to reject narratives that portray entire ethnic groups as responsible for criminal activities committed by a few individuals.
He also called on government at all levels to address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment and weak law enforcement, while ensuring that those involved in criminal activities are brought to justice regardless of their ethnic or religious background.
Obi maintained that lasting peace and security can only be achieved through justice, inclusion and collective efforts to strengthen national cohesion. He urged Nigerians to promote understanding among different ethnic groups and avoid actions capable of fueling tension in an already fragile security environment.
The remarks add to ongoing national conversations on security, ethnic relations and the search for lasting solutions to the persistent challenge of banditry and violent crime across the country.
