Members of the Hausa community in Ibadan, Oyo State, staged a peaceful protest over what they described as rising ethnic profiling following recent insecurity concerns in the state.
The protest comes in the wake of heightened suspicion directed at the community after the abduction of over 40 students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The demonstrators emphasized that it is unjust to associate an entire ethnic group with criminal activity based on the actions of suspected kidnappers. They urged security agencies and the public to focus on identifying and prosecuting actual perpetrators rather than targeting innocent residents due to their identity.
They further stressed that Hausa residents in Ibadan are law-abiding citizens who are equally affected by insecurity and desire peace, justice, and safety in the region.
The protest highlights growing concerns over ethnic tension and the importance of maintaining unity while addressing security challenges in affected communities.