Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has spoken out against the growing trend of linking crime to ethnic groups, stating that he understands the pain many ordinary Fulani people endure from being judged by the actions of criminals. In a statement released on Monday, Obi warned against the dangerous practice of ethnic profiling, emphasizing that criminality should never be associated with an entire tribe.
Personal experience with stereotypes
Drawing from his personal experience, the former Anambra State governor said he has also faced stereotypes and prejudice because of his Igbo background. “As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgment and labelling solely based on my ethnic origins,” Obi said. He added that this experience helps him understand what many innocent Fulani people are currently facing as insecurity continues to dominate national conversations.
Understanding the pain of ordinary Fulani
“I understand the pain of the ordinary Fulani man today, often unfairly judged by the actions of criminals he does not support, has never met and who are not representative of his people,” Obi stated. His comments come amid increasing public frustration over rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, and violent attacks across parts of the country. In recent years, some criminal activities have often been linked to Fulani herders, leading to growing tensions and accusations against the ethnic group.
Crime has no ethnicity
Obi argued that holding an entire ethnic community responsible for the crimes of a few individuals is both unfair and dangerous. According to him, criminals should be identified and punished based on their actions rather than their tribe, religion, or region of origin. “Crime has no ethnicity. A thief is a thief. A terrorist is a terrorist. A kidnapper is a kidnapper. They are criminals, not representatives of any people,” he stated.
Call to media and public
The former presidential candidate also criticized media reports and public discussions that frame criminal activities along ethnic lines, warning that such narratives risk deepening divisions in an already polarized country. He said Nigerians must resist attempts to label entire communities because of the actions of criminal elements, noting that doing so only fuels suspicion, hatred, and disunity.
Fight against crime must be based on justice
Obi maintained that insecurity remains a serious national challenge that requires decisive action from security agencies, but insisted that the fight against crime must be based on justice and facts rather than stereotypes. He called on Nigerians to focus on identifying and prosecuting criminals wherever they may be found while preserving national unity and peaceful coexistence among the country's diverse ethnic groups.
Public reaction
His remarks have since generated debate on social media, with some Nigerians agreeing that crime should not be ethnicized, while others argued that communities must also help security agencies identify criminal elements operating within their areas.
