Amid Insecurity Crisis, Kwara South Forum Condemns Aid Distribution To Fulani Farmers

Ilorin, kwara State– A socio-political group, the Kwara South Development Forum, has condemned the distribution of farm inputs to Fulani communities in Kwara South by the Muhydeen Okunlola Kayode (MOK) Foundation, alleging that the gesture is politically motivated and insensitive to the worsening insecurity in the region.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the group’s Convener, Obashola Ayomide Ridwan, through its Secretary, Olasehinde O. Oluwatoba, accused the foundation of empowering individuals they claim are linked to persistent attacks, kidnappings, and displacement of indigenous communities across Kwara South.

The group expressed deep concern that while many indigenous Yoruba farmers have abandoned their farmlands due to fear of violent attacks, alleged Fulani herdsmen have taken over these lands — a situation they described as both alarming and unjust.

According to the statement, the MOK Foundation recently distributed agrochemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, and knapsack sprayers to Fulani farmers in the area — an action the forum described as a direct affront to displaced indigenous communities.

The group alleged that the empowerment programme ignores the ongoing security crisis and instead strengthens those they accuse of being responsible for it.

“The reality on ground in Kwara South is troubling,” they said. “Communities have been deserted, farmlands abandoned, and our people are living in fear. Instead of focusing on how to find a lasting solution to insecurity, MOK is distributing farm inputs to people  who are responsible for these attacks.”

The forum cited several recent incidents to support its claims, including the abduction of a traditional ruler from Olayinka, the kidnapping of a school proprietor in Isin, and the reported abduction of more than eight worshippers in Omugo. It also referenced the killing of two vigilantes, which it attributed to suspected Fulani herdsmen.

“Our royal father from Oyinka is still in terrorists’ den,” the group stated.

“A school proprietor from Isin and over eight worshippers from Omugo have been kidnapped, while two vigilantes were recently killed. Yet, MOK is empowering the same people who are accused of  being behind these atrocities, enabling them to take over our farmlands and ancestral homes while our people flee for their lives.”

While clarifying that they are not opposed to empowerment initiatives, the forum insisted that such programmes must be sensitive to the realities of insecurity and should not benefit those accused of harming local communities.

“We are not against empowering people,” they stated. “However, empowering people who are allegedly attacking and kidnapping our people is a big slap in the face of the people of Kwara South. It sends a message that the lives and livelihoods of indigenous Yoruba communities do not matter.”

The group further accused MOK of prioritising political ambition over the safety and welfare of local residents.

“This action shows a lack of concern for indigenous people. It appears that political considerations are being placed above the security and survival of our communities,” the forum said.

The Kwara South Development Forum also called on traditional rulers in the region to take a firm stance against the encroachment of violent elements and to resist any political pressure to legitimise such developments.

“We call on our respected traditional rulers across Kwara South to be vigilant and avoid accommodating individuals who are allegedly attacking and kidnapping our people.”

The group also warned politicians against politicising the security crisis, stressing that the situation requires urgent and sincere intervention rather than actions that could further inflame tensions.

“Politics should not be played with people’s lives. What we need now is a genuine commitment to securing Kwara South, not actions that could worsen the situation,” it said.

Reiterating its position, the forum urged all stakeholders to prioritise peace, justice, and the safe return of displaced residents to their communities.

“All we want is a secure Kwara South,” the statement concluded. “We urge traditional rulers to caution politicians against empowering those accused of kidnapping our people under the guise of political strategy aimed at taking over our ancestral lands.”