The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has condemned what it describes as ethnic profiling and threats to deport Northern women by the Ondo State Amotekun security corps.

The Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) earlier intercepted a group of northern women and children moving into the state’s forest reserves. Authorities suspected the individuals of acting as wives and informants for bandits fleeing military operations in northern Nigeria, and initiated plans to return them to their home states

In a statement signed by Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, the ACF raised concerns over actions targeting women simply for being from the North. The group said such behaviour goes against the rights of every Nigerian to move freely and live anywhere in the country.

The ACF condemned the public humiliation of women who were engaged in lawful activities, and warned that collective punishment based on ethnicity threatens the unity of the nation.

Instead of actions that fuel ethnic tensions, the forum called for lawful approaches to dealing with security challenges. It urged all stakeholders to work toward maintaining peace, unity, and mutual coexistence among Nigerians.

Every Nigerian, regardless of where they come from, deserves equal treatment under the law in any state in Nigeria..