Yoruba Union Accuses Kwara Governor Of Neglect As Terrorists Attacks Ravage Kwara South

Ikeja, Lagos State– The Yoruba Union, a socio-cultural organisation known as Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has called on Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to urgently prioritise the security of lives and property in Kwara South following incessant terrorist attacks allegedly carried out by armed Fulani herders.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the union expressed deep concern that residents of several communities in Kwara South are living in fear as attacks by suspected herdsmen intensify.

The group alleged that while the governor continues to collect a monthly security vote from the Federal Government, he has failed to give a clear account of how the funds are being utilised to address the crisis.

This is contained in a  statement signed by the group’s Convener, Olusola Badero, and its Home Director, Princess Balogun, the Yoruba Union accused the governor of concentrating development and security efforts on the state capital at the expense of other regions.

The organisation said that this uneven distribution of attention and resources has left Kwara South vulnerable to repeated incursions by armed herders.

“Communities in Kwara South have become soft targets for these terrorists disguised as bandits,” the statement read. “Hundreds of residents have abandoned their ancestral homes, many have been kidnapped, and those left behind are forced to live in constant fear. Sadly, the governor has not shown the political will to tackle the menace head-on.”

The union further stressed that the abandonment of farmlands and villages in the region could have devastating consequences on food production and local economies, warning that if the insecurity persists, many communities may become completely deserted.

The group noted that this would not only erase the heritage of the Yoruba people in Kwara South but also weaken the socio-economic fabric of the state.

The Yoruba Union also accused Governor AbdulRazaq of treating the security concerns of Kwara South indigenes with indifference, saying that his focus on Ilorin, the state capital, has created feelings of marginalisation among other parts of the state.

“It is unacceptable that lives and properties in one part of Kwara are seen as less valuable than in another,” the group stated.

The organisation called on the governor to immediately review security strategies in Kwara South, increase support for local vigilante groups, and work closely with traditional rulers and community leaders to strengthen intelligence gathering.

It also urged the Federal Government to closely monitor how security votes are being used in Kwara State to ensure accountability.

Badero said the people of Ifelodun, Irepodun, Ekiti, and Isin have been heavily targeted by marauding Fulani herdsmen, who have taken over parts of Kwara South’s ancestral lands and continue to unleash terror in the region.

The Yoruba Union explained that the incessant killings and kidnappings in the area have forced hundreds of residents to abandon their ancestral lands, leaving them vulnerable to strangers whose intention is to take over and claim ownership.

“The Kwara State Governor seems incompetent in handling the affairs of the state. Our people in Ifelodun and Irepodun, in particular, have been lamenting the rising level of insecurity, which has led to the desertion of many communities. People have been killed, and ransoms have been extorted by the Fulani herdsmen,” the group stated.

“Should we close our eyes and seal our mouths despite the security vote funds Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is collecting? Kwara South has become a major target for these daredevil Fulani herdsmen. Our people have abandoned their ancestral homes and fled out of fear, as these armed herdsmen can invade any community in broad daylight and launch deadly attacks.

“If Governor AbdulRahman is confused or lacks the strength and capacity to govern the state, he should kindly resign and allow those who are capable to take over.

The union recalled how the evicted Seriki Fulani of Igangan, Abdulkadir Saliu Abdulkadri, and his men moved from Igangan in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State to Kwara South after the expiration of a seven-day eviction notice issued by Yoruba rights activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.

“Since then, the region has been experiencing incessant attacks and kidnappings. Our ancestral land does not belong to the Fulani race. We will not fold our arms and watch our people being killed and kidnapped by armed Fulani herdsmen who are determined to take over our land by all means.

“We are giving Governor AbdulRahman a seven-day ultimatum to restore peace and confidence in the region, or we will take to the streets to protest and show the world how unconcerned he is about the plight of our people in Kwara South.

“We urge Governor AbdulRahman to empower the local vigilantes with modern equipment, sophisticated weapons, and insurance cover. This will boost their morale to confront the terrorists, knowing that if anything happens, they are adequately protected.

Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá also calls on security agencies to collaborate with local vigilantes in order to flush out these terrorists.

Yoruba Union warned that the continued silence and perceived neglect by the state government could fuel growing resentment and distrust among the people of Kwara South.

The group vowed to continue to speak out until adequate measures are taken to secure the region and protect its residents from further harm.

Yoruba Union also stressed that security is not a privilege but a fundamental right, insisting that every community in Kwara deserves equal attention and protection regardless of its geographical location.