Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, has called on Nigerians to stop associating criminal activities with entire ethnic groups. The street-hop artist made this plea in a viral video addressing the dangers of ethnic profiling amid the country's ongoing security challenges.
Portable Condemns Labeling of Fulani as Bandits
In the video, Portable expressed concern over what he described as a growing habit of labeling every Fulani person as a bandit. He emphasized that many innocent individuals are increasingly judged based on their appearance, clothing, language, or cultural identity.
"Please, let's stop making mistakes by labeling all Fulani as bandits. Me, I am not included. Because you see a squad of Fulani inside a bus, you will just conclude that they are bandits. They are not bandits," he said.
Highlighting Diversity Within the Fulani Community
Portable noted that many Fulani people engage in legitimate businesses and occupations across the country. He pointed out that some are cattle rearers, while others are traders, farmers, and entrepreneurs striving to earn a living like every other Nigerian.
"Some are Hausa, some are their families, Fulani. Some are rearing cows, some sell pepper, and others are into business," he added.
The singer also reminded Nigerians that the country is home to diverse ethnic groups living and working outside their ancestral homes. He noted that Yoruba and Igbo people are found in various northern states, just as many Fulani reside in the South-West and other regions.
Call to Target Criminals, Not Innocent Citizens
Portable stressed that efforts to tackle insecurity should focus on criminals rather than innocent citizens who share similar appearances or cultural backgrounds. He warned that ethnic profiling could create unnecessary tension and endanger innocent lives.
"Let's fight bandits. Let's face bandits. It's not about beating anyone you see that looks like Fulani. No. They can be dressing like them. Yoruba is among them, Igbo is among them, Hausa is among them, Fulani is among them. All tribes are among them," Portable stated.
Public Reactions to Portable's Message
Social media users reacted to Portable's video with mixed but largely supportive comments. User @compliments_77 wrote: "He's actually right. We shouldn't automatically label all of them as bandits. Both Christians and Muslims have been victims of these attacks, so it's not really a religious conflict. That said, this might be the first time I've seen Portable speak this calmly and make so much sense."
Another user, @madaki_John2951, commented: "He's not lying to be honest we should only be after the ones who are armed not the ones hustling on the street."
Background on Portable's Recent Controversies
Earlier, Portable leaked a private WhatsApp chat involving Ashabi Simple and an Islamic cleric amid their ongoing feud. In the chat, Ashabi confessed her love for a man named Kenny Hussein, who is not the father of her children, and expressed frustration that her feelings were not returned. Portable shared the chat online with the caption, "This life just be real loyalty pass juju," following Ashabi's earlier claim that he was a "one-minute man."
Portable's latest comments on ethnic profiling have opened up conversations about insecurity, ethnic profiling, and national unity in Nigeria.
