December 18, 2025 | SUNTV Global Channel | News
A Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, over allegations that members of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association were armed to operate in Yoruba-speaking areas of Kwara State and parts of Kogi, despite escalating cases of kidnapping and violent attacks.
The group expressed alarm that the alleged arming of Miyetti Allah members occurred at a time when local vigilantes, hunters and community-based security groups were reportedly sidelined and disarmed, raising questions about the government’s security priorities in the region.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Union’s Convener, Olusola Badero, and released through its Home Director, Princess Balogun, the organisation demanded urgent explanations from President Tinubu, NSA Ribadu and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The union queried why ammunition and logistical support would allegedly be extended to Miyetti Allah members to “protect” communities in Kwara and Kogi, while indigenous security structures familiar with the terrain were being discouraged.
“If confirmed, this decision raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to protecting indigenous Yoruba communities,” the group said. “Why would the Federal Government arm a non-indigenous group, while sidelining local vigilantes and hunters who have been at the forefront of defending their people against kidnappers?”
According to Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, residents of several Kwara communities had raised similar concerns as far back as September, alleging that Miyetti Allah members were being invited and armed under the guise of providing security. At the time, both the Kwara State Government and Miyetti Allah reportedly denied the claims.
However, the group said recent developments appear to validate those earlier fears, pointing to reports linking armed Miyetti Allah members to security-related incidents beyond Kwara.
The union cited an incident in Auchi, Edo State, where some Miyetti Allah members were reportedly arrested with ammunition and a Kwara State security vehicle. The suspects allegedly claimed the vehicle was supplied by the “Ilorin government” and that an individual identified as Victor provided the ammunition.
Describing the incident as deeply troubling, the group questioned why armed operatives allegedly linked to Kwara State would be operating in another state.
It also referenced another case in which a man allegedly found with a rifle traced to the Office of the National Security Adviser was arrested while attempting to flee Kwara State. The suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of Miyetti Allah.
“Why would any member of Miyetti Allah be in possession of an NSA-issued rifle?” the group asked. “Communities across the country consistently link kidnapping and violent attacks to armed herders. How then can the same group be allegedly armed by the state?”
The Yoruba organisation expressed disappointment over what it described as President Tinubu’s silence amid worsening insecurity in Kwara, Kogi and other parts of the country, where hundreds of Nigerians have reportedly been abducted in recent months.
“It is disturbing that while the Tinubu administration claims to be addressing insecurity, the situation continues to deteriorate,” the union stated. “How can security improve if those accused by communities of terrorising them are allegedly being empowered?”
Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá warned that arming non-state actors under any arrangement could set a dangerous precedent, leading to unchecked proliferation of weapons and deeper national instability.
The group called on civil society organisations, traditional rulers and well-meaning Nigerians to demand transparency and accountability from both the Federal Government and the Kwara State Government.
It urged President Tinubu to urgently address the allegations and clearly explain the purpose, scope and legality of any security engagement involving Miyetti Allah and firearms.
“If this issue is not decisively addressed, people may soon move freely with weapons, citing Miyetti Allah as precedent. This is a recipe for unrest and national instability,” the union warned.
The organisation insisted that the safety of Yoruba communities in Kwara, Kogi and across Nigeria must not be compromised, stressing that any security framework that excludes indigenous participation and accountability will only deepen mistrust and insecurity.
