Yoruba Union Blasts Tinubu Over Kwara Ranching Amid Killings
The Yoruba Union, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has accused President Bola Tinubu of placing Yoruba people at risk by pushing forward the National Ranching Programme in Kwara State amid rising insecurity.
The group said the plan appears reckless given ongoing killings and kidnappings in the state.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Union’s Convener, Olusola Badero, through its Home Director, Princess Balogun, said there is no history of farmer–herder conflicts between Yoruba farmers and herders in the state. Instead, the violence is being driven by armed individuals they described as Fulani extremists.
“We reject outright the introduction of ranching in Kwara State while our people continue to be killed and dozens remain in the hands of Fulani extremists,” the statement read.
The Union added that the government’s approach effectively hands Yoruba communities to the very people responsible for the attacks.
“Ranching is not the solution to insecurity. Many communities have been abandoned after repeated assaults, yet the government intends to give these extremists control over our ancestral land under the guise of ranching,” the group said.
The organisation also accused the federal government of politicising citizens’ lives ahead of the 2027 presidential election. “Tinubu’s government is playing politics with people’s lives because of his 2027 ambition,” the statement added.
Citing recent events, the Union said terrorists had released a video showing over 176 residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, including children, nursing mothers, and women, being held captive by suspected Boko Haram members.
“Instead of addressing the abductions and restoring security, the government is focused on launching ranches in a Yoruba-speaking state,” it said.
Warning of long-term consequences, the Union claimed that ranching in the current security climate could spark land disputes and deepen tensions. “We caution the government against creating problems where strangers could claim ownership of Yoruba land,” they said.
The group argued that the armed attackers are not herders with cattle but militants armed with rifles and motorcycles. “Those Fulani who are kidnapping and attacking people are not roaming with cattle. So why propose ranches in Kwara?” the statement questioned.
The Yoruba Union called on President Tinubu to suspend the ranching plan, stressing that it could worsen insecurity rather than solve it. “We urge the President to put this initiative on hold before it creates more problems for our people,” it added.
Reaffirming their commitment to the safety of Yoruba citizens, the group said they would resist any policy that exposes them to danger. “Our people’s safety is paramount. We will not allow any government to place our communities in harm’s way. Where have you seen a farmer entrust his sheep to a lion?”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
