Insecurity: Hausa-Fulani leaders in Kwara deny knowledge of plan to arm Bororo against bandits
Prominent Hausa and Fulani leaders, alongside the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), have denied any knowledge of a purported meeting held in Ilorin regarding the arming of nomadic Fulani (Bororo) to combat banditry in Kwara State.
In a joint press statement, the groups also condemned claims attributed to the former Seriki Fulani of Igangan, Oyo State, Alhaji Saliu Abdulkadir, who, according to SaharaReporters, confirmed knowledge of the meeting.
The statement clarified that the Fulani community, or any of its groups, had no knowledge of any such security meeting. At no time was any gathering held to discuss condemning Bororos or any section of the Fulani community.
According to the ealier report by SaharaReporters, Abdulkadir confirmed the meeting but denied attending it.
He reportedly opposed the proposal to deploy Bororos, describing them as migrant Fulani herders and a volatile group, notorious for kidnappings and armed clashes.
The report also quoted him as saying the Bororos frequently move across regions while carrying sophisticated weapons like AK-47 rifles, often resulting in conflict.
The leaders, however, emphasized that insecurity affects everyone in the state and that only collective, coordinated efforts can ensure lasting peace.
They firmly distanced themselves from any knowledge of such meetings or the views expressed by Abdulkadir.
“The comments credited to Alhaji Saliu Abdulkadir are unfortunate and do not represent the opinion of Fulani or Hausa leaders in Kwara State. We distance ourselves from such divisive statements and reaffirm our loyalty to peace, unity, and the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,” the statement read.
The leaders also commended the Kwara State Government and security agencies for their efforts in safeguarding lives and property, urging residents to disregard reports that could create disunity.
They reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and support for government initiatives that promote security and development.
MACBAN further clarified that it had no knowledge of any meeting allegedly attended by Abdulkadir or any interviews he may have granted on the matter.
The association reiterated its commitment to peaceful herding practices and full cooperation with security agencies to eliminate criminal elements operating under the guise of cattle rearing.
They called on authorities to investigate Abdulkadir’s alleged comments and urged the media to verify information before publication to prevent inflaming ethnic tensions.
