Sowore made his position known in a statement shared on his official X handle.

He alleged that some Nigerian celebrities are increasingly involving law enforcement authorities in matters arising from online exchanges, criticism, and social media commentary.

According to him, the growing tendency to criminalise speech, jokes, trolling, and general online banter poses a serious threat to freedom of expression and democratic values in the country.

Sowore stated that this trend is dangerous and incompatible with the principles of free speech.

He also criticised the Nigeria Police Force and parts of the justice system, accusing some influential individuals of using law enforcement agencies to intimidate ordinary citizens over online disagreements.

He further insisted that the police should not act as private enforcers for wealthy or powerful individuals, warning against the abuse of state institutions for personal disputes.

The coalition, an umbrella body of Fulani pastoralist and socio-cultural groups in the state, made the appeal in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its Chairman, Hon. Garba Abdullahi Muhammad.

It argued that for the governor to be seen as fair and just, the same order should apply to those who steal cattle or assault herders carrying out their legitimate activities.

While commending Mutfwang for his swift response to renewed farmer-herder clashes in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Bokkos LGAs, the group expressed concern that the directive could be misused by overzealous security personnel or ethnic militias to target innocent Fulani herdsmen.

Muhammad stated that although the coalition appreciates the governor’s peace efforts, it strongly believes the order should be expanded to ensure balance and fairness in enforcement.

He warned that without such balance, the directive could be interpreted as one-sided, potentially escalating tensions rather than resolving them.

The coalition also raised concerns over alleged killings of herders, cattle rustling, poisoning of grazing areas and water sources, as well as the destruction of livestock in some communities across the state.

It called on the government to extend the directive to cover these incidents, insisting that cattle rustling, cattle poisoning, and attacks on herders should be treated with the same level of urgency.

The group stressed that lasting peace in Plateau State can only be achieved through fairness, dialogue, accountability, and mutual respect between farmers and herders.

Makinde gave the assurance during the inauguration of the Oyo State Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and its Oversight Committee, held at the Police Command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.

He described the initiative as the first of its kind in the South-West region, noting that it reflects a shared commitment between government and security agencies to enhance public safety.

The governor commended the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, as well as security operatives in the state for their efforts in maintaining relative peace and stability in Oyo.

He expressed confidence that the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit would play a key role in tackling violent crime and strengthening peace, security, and stability not only in Oyo State but across the country.

Makinde further pledged that his administration would continue to provide the necessary resources and institutional backing required for security agencies to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

Oriire Abduction

Reacting to the recent abduction incident in Oriire Local Government Area, Makinde extended condolences to families affected by the attack.

He described the incident as a painful reminder of the need for continuous vigilance and proactive security measures.

The governor said the state government is working closely with security agencies to investigate the incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

He also urged community leaders and residents to remain alert and report suspicious activities promptly to the appropriate authorities.

Makinde reassured residents that his administration remains fully committed to collaborating with security agencies to curb criminal activities and enhance safety across the state.

Police Command Statement

In his welcome remarks, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, described the establishment of the VCRU as a significant policing reform aimed at improving security operations.

He said the unit was created to boost public trust, improve professionalism, and strengthen tactical responses in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police.

Olugbenga explained that the unit replaces previous tactical formations with a more accountable, intelligence-driven, professionally trained, and human rights–compliant structure designed to respond swiftly to violent crime and emerging threats.

He added that officers assigned to the unit were carefully selected from various divisions based on discipline, experience, competence, and integrity.

The police commissioner also praised the state government for its consistent support, saying it has continued to motivate security agencies and strengthen operational efficiency.

Stakeholders’ Reactions

In separate goodwill messages, the Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, and the Oyo State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, Abayomi Ogundele, described the initiative as a major step toward improving public safety.

They said the launch reflects the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed commitment to protecting lives and property.

Both stakeholders commended the Oyo State Government for building a stronger security framework aimed at reducing crime and improving collaboration among security agencies.