Yoruba Union Accuses Tinubu Of ‘Handing Over Yoruba Land To Fulani Herders’ Over Ranching Plan In Kwara

Ikeja, Lagos State– The Yoruba Union Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá has accused President Bola Tinubu of allegedly handing Yoruba people to Fulani extremists following the Federal Government’s announcement of plans to accelerate the rollout of the National Ranching Programme in Kwara State despite ongoing killings and kidnappings in the region.

The group said there is no record of rural violence or farmer–herder clashes between Yoruba farmers and herders in the state, but rather incessant attacks, killings and kidnappings allegedly carried out by armed individuals it described as Fulani extremists.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Union’s Convener, Olusola Badero, and released by its Home Director, Princess Balogun, questioned the rationale behind launching ranching in the state amid escalating insecurity and abductions.

“We unequivocally reject the launching of ranching in Kwara State by President Tinubu’s government, while our people are being killed and dozens are in the hands of Fulani extremists,” they said.

“Yet the only compensation for the incessant attacks is to hand Yoruba people into the hands of the same people killing our people.”

The group insisted that ranching is not the solution to the security crisis in Kwara, claiming many communities have been deserted due to repeated attacks.

“The solution to insecurity in Kwara State is not about ranching. Our people left their ancestral homes due to daily attacks by the herdsmen. Their communities have been taken over, yet the Tinubu government wants these extremists to take ownership of our ancestral land in the name of ranching,” the union stated.

The organisation also accused the federal government of politicising the lives of citizens ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“Tinubu’s government is using the lives of the people to play politics because of his 2027 presidential ambition,” the statement added.

Citing recent security concerns, the group claimed that terrorists recently released a video showing over 176 residents of the Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, including children, nursing mothers, and women, being held captive by suspected members of Boko Haram.

“Just today, terrorists released a video where over 176 people of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, including children, nursing mothers and women, were paraded by Boko Haram terrorists,” the statement said.

“Tinubu is not concerned about how the state and others will be secured and how they will rescue all the abducted victims but is only concerned about launching a ranch in a Yoruba-speaking state.”

The Yoruba Union warned that implementing ranching in the current security climate could create long-term land ownership disputes and deepen tensions.

“We warn the Tinubu government not to create another problem that will linger for years, where strangers would be claiming ownership of Yoruba land,” it stated.

According to the group, many of the armed attackers allegedly responsible for kidnappings and killings in parts of the state do not operate with their cattles.

“Those Fulani who are kidnapping and attacking people do not roam with their cattle but with bikes and their AK-47 rifles, so why proposing ranches in Kwara State?” the statement asked.

The union urged the President to suspend the proposed ranching initiative, warning that it could worsen insecurity rather than resolve it.

“We urge the President to put on hold this unthinkable initiative that would create more problems for the people than resolving the existing ones,” it added.

Reaffirming its stance, the group said the safety of Yoruba people remains its top priority and vowed to resist any policy it believes would expose them to further danger.

“Our people’s safety is very paramount to us, and we will not allow any government to jeopardise the rights and safety of our people or put them in the hands of danger.”

“Where have you seen a farmer keep his sheep in the care of a lion?”