Northerners residing in South-West Nigeria have voiced alarm over what they describe as increasing stigmatisation, with many law-abiding individuals being unfairly associated with criminal activities. The concerns come amid rising security challenges across the country, prompting calls for greater understanding and unity among Nigerians.
Residents Express Concerns Over Unfair Labelling
One affected resident lamented, “We are being tagged bandits, Boko Haram,” highlighting the tendency to judge entire communities based on the actions of a few criminal elements. The group stressed that the vast majority of Northerners in the South-West are engaged in legitimate businesses and contribute positively to their host communities.
Advocacy for Peaceful Coexistence
The residents urged Nigerians to avoid profiling based on ethnicity, region, or occupation, noting that such perceptions could deepen divisions and undermine national cohesion. Many families have lived in the South-West for decades and have built strong relationships with local communities.
Call for National Unity and Dialogue
Community leaders appealed to security agencies and the public to distinguish between criminals and innocent citizens, regardless of background. They maintained that tackling insecurity requires collective action and intelligence-driven policing rather than stereotypes. The residents also called for increased dialogue between ethnic groups to strengthen mutual trust and understanding.
While acknowledging the security concerns facing the country, they insisted that branding entire communities as criminals was unfair and could hinder efforts aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence and national unity.
