Northerners living across South-West Nigeria say they're facing harassment and unfair treatment. They blame rising security concerns and panic over recent kidnappings in the region.
Ahmad S. Salihu is the Sarkin Samari of Ile-Ife in Osun State.
He chairs the Arewa Development Support Group's chapter in the state.
According to him, tensions spiked after students and teachers were abducted in Oyo State recently. Residents became more vigilant, but innocent northerners bore the brunt of suspicion.
On Thursday, vigilantes in Ile-Ife stopped a mob from killing six young northerners. The youths had arrived by truck carrying livestock.
They'd been dropped in Ibodi, near Ilesa, where many northerners live. From there, they planned to reach Ife-Wara in Ilesa West Local Government Area.
After days on the truck, the travellers looked dirty and tired. Instead of washing up, they boarded motorcycles heading into Ile-Ife town.
Young men saw them on the road and grew suspicious. Their dusty appearance and the bags they carried made locals think they were criminals.
A mob nearly attacked them right there. Only the intervention of local vigilantes prevented bloodshed.
Salihu praised the vigilante group for stepping in quickly. "Without them, those six could have been killed," he told reporters.
He said his team questioned the youths and confirmed their story. They were simply livestock traders passing through the region.
Community leaders then helped direct them to their destination safely. Salihu says this kind of incident reveals deeper problems.
He's urging northerners visiting the South-West to take precautions. Avoid livestock trucks when possible, he warned.
"Don't do things that might make people think you're a criminal," Salihu advised. Hunting or suspicious activities could invite trouble, he noted.
Malam Zayyanu Muhammad leads the Fulani community in Ekiti State. He painted an even grimmer picture for herders and traders.
Fulani and Hausa residents face daily arrests without cause, he said. Security personnel stop travellers constantly and interrogate them harshly.
Agro Rangers and Amotekun officers target livestock herders regularly. Muhammad says the harassment is getting worse as elections approach.
"Our people are being arrested indiscriminately," Muhammad told us. Many endure mistreatment that he calls completely unjustified.
He expressed worry about the election period ahead. Tensions typically spike during such times across the country.
Both leaders describe a troubling pattern of profiling. Northerners say they're automatically suspected because of their origin or occupation.
Salihu stressed the need for better community relations. Understanding and patience from southern residents could prevent tragic mistakes.
He also called for accountability from security forces. Vigilante groups, he argued, shouldn't replace professional law enforcement.
Muhammad echoed these concerns about security personnel. He wants proper training and oversight for all officers.
The situation reflects broader regional tensions in Nigeria. Security challenges have created fear that sometimes leads to wrong judgments.
Both communities say they're law-abiding residents deserving respect. Yet they're being treated as threats simply because of where they're from.
