Oriire: Stakeholders pledge stronger collaboration for peaceful coexistence in Oyo

Stakeholders drawn from Fulani communities, security agencies, farmers’ groups, traditional institutions, and community leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and strengthening security across Oyo State.

The commitment was made during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held in Ojongbodu, Oriire Local Government Area, to address rising concerns over kidnapping, farmer-herder conflicts, banditry and other security challenges affecting communities in the state.

Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and convener of the forum, Alhaji Ibrahim Jiji, said the gathering was organised to foster dialogue, encourage mutual understanding, and promote collective responsibility in sustaining peace.

While commending the Oyo State government for its efforts to improve security, Jiji stressed that government alone could not guarantee peace without the active support of citizens.

“We all have a responsibility to protect the peace in our communities. Security is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.

He noted that one of the major concerns discussed was the increasing incidence of kidnapping and the tendency to stereotype the Fulani community because of the activities of criminal elements.

According to him, many law-abiding Fulani residents have suffered discrimination and persecution because of the actions of a few individuals.

“We are not criminals and we are not kidnappers. If any Fulani person is involved in crime, we will not shield such a person. Likewise, if criminals exist within our host communities, they should also be exposed. That is the only way peace can thrive,” he said.

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

He expressed concern over growing ethnic and communal tensions in some parts of the country and urged all Nigerians to promote dialogue rather than division.

Ngelzarma also called on affluent members of the Fulani community to support vulnerable members while encouraging traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to continue working closely with government and security agencies to strengthen peace.

Representing the Chairman of Oyo West Local Government, Ambassador Muyideen Adeyemi said the relationship between Yoruba residents and Fulani communities in the council area has remained cordial.

He explained that the meeting formed part of broader efforts to enhance peace and security across Oyo State and stressed the need to involve traditional rulers more actively in future engagements.

According to him, monarchs and community leaders remain critical channels for communicating government policies and security information to rural communities.

Adeyemi also advised MACBAN leaders across the state’s local government areas to strengthen collaboration with their respective council chairmen.

Speaking on behalf of the Oyo State Farmers’ Council, Alhaji Oladeji Emmanuel said disputes between farmers and herders should not be viewed as ethnic conflicts but as economic issues arising from competition over land and other resources.

“Farmers and Fulani are not enemies. Most disagreements are economic and can be resolved through dialogue and proper communication,” he said.

He urged farmers, Fulani leaders, traditional rulers and local government authorities to maintain regular communication in order to prevent disputes from escalating.

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Representing the Commissioner of Police, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Afijio Division, CSP Mojid Lawal, commended the organisers for convening the meeting, describing it as consistent with the principles of community policing.

He endorsed calls for greater involvement of traditional rulers, noting that they possess the influence needed to mobilise grassroots support for peace initiatives.

Lawal also acknowledged concerns about the tendency to associate criminality with the Fulani community and urged residents to avoid generalisations.

The representative of the Department of State Services (DSS) commended the Chairman of Oyo West Local Government for sustaining regular stakeholder engagements, particularly the weekly Wednesday security meetings, which he said had strengthened communication between government and local communities.

He encouraged Fulani leaders to actively participate in such engagements to deepen trust and cooperation with security agencies.

The representative of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps and Acting Zonal Coordinator called for greater efforts to address the root causes of conflicts between farmers and herders.

She urged Fulani leaders to intensify awareness campaigns on security and responsible livestock management among herders, stressing that criminal acts committed by individuals should not define an entire ethnic group.

She also advocated stronger collaboration between community leaders and security agencies to prevent conflicts and resolve disputes before they degenerate into violence.

Speaking on behalf of the Sarki Fulani of Lagos and Chairman of the Council of Fulani Chiefs in the South-West, Alhaji Farooq Gajo commended Fulani leaders in Oyo State and security agencies for their commitment to peaceful coexistence.

He said the discussions reflected a shared determination among all stakeholders to sustain peace across communities.

Gajo maintained that criminality has neither ethnic nor religious identity and pledged the continued cooperation of the Fulani community with security agencies.

He, however, observed that some Fulani herders remain reluctant to engage security agencies because of perceived discrimination and fears that they may not receive fair treatment when reporting incidents.

He appealed for greater mutual trust between security agencies, host communities and Fulani residents to strengthen confidence and improve intelligence gathering in the fight against crime.