The Yoruba socio-cultural group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has raised strong concerns over reports that members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association were allegedly armed to operate in Yoruba-speaking parts of Kwara State and sections of Kogi State, despite the rising wave of kidnapping, banditry and violent attacks in the region.
In a statement released on Thursday, the organisation described the alleged action as disturbing and demanded urgent explanations from President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The group questioned why weapons and security support would reportedly be extended to Miyetti Allah members while local vigilantes, hunters and community-based security groups were said to be sidelined or disarmed.
The statement, signed by the group’s Convener, Olusola Badero, and issued through its Home Director, Princess Balogun, said the development—if confirmed—raises serious doubts about the government’s commitment to safeguarding indigenous communities. The organisation noted that residents in many affected areas have repeatedly linked criminal activities such as kidnapping and violent attacks to armed herders.
The group questioned the rationale behind allegedly empowering a non-indigenous group to provide security in predominantly Yoruba communities, while existing local security structures familiar with the terrain and community dynamics were not adequately supported.
Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá recalled that as early as September, residents of several communities in Kwara State had raised alarms over claims that Miyetti Allah members were being invited and armed under the guise of protecting local populations. Although the allegations were initially denied by both the state government and Miyetti Allah, the group said recent developments appear to lend credibility to those earlier warnings.
Describing the situation as deeply troubling, the organisation said it was unsettling that authorities responsible for public safety were being accused of empowering groups many Nigerians associate with insecurity and violence across the country.
The group also cited reported incidents outside Kwara State, including the arrest of suspected Miyetti Allah members in Auchi, Edo State, who were allegedly found with ammunition and a security vehicle linked to Kwara State. According to the organisation, the suspects reportedly claimed the vehicle originated from Ilorin and that the ammunition was supplied by an individual identified as “Victor.”
Another case referenced involved the arrest of a suspect allegedly carrying a rifle traced to the Office of the National Security Adviser while attempting to leave Kwara State. The suspect was said to have admitted affiliation with Miyetti Allah.
The organisation questioned why individuals linked to the association would allegedly possess weapons traced to government sources, especially at a time when communities nationwide continue to complain about insecurity linked to armed herders.
Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá also expressed disappointment over what it described as the silence of the Presidency amid worsening security conditions in Kwara, Kogi and other parts of the country, where cases of kidnapping have reportedly increased.
The group warned that arming non-state actors under any arrangement could fuel the spread of illegal weapons and worsen instability. It called on civil society groups, traditional institutions and concerned citizens to demand transparency and accountability from both the Federal Government and the Kwara State Government.
The organisation urged President Tinubu to urgently address the allegations and clearly explain the purpose, legality and scope of any engagement involving Miyetti Allah and firearms.
It cautioned that failure to resolve the issue could set a dangerous precedent, encouraging individuals to move freely with weapons under informal security arrangements, thereby deepening insecurity and public distrust.
The group stressed that the safety of Yoruba communities in Kwara, Kogi and across Nigeria must not be compromised, warning that any security arrangement that excludes indigenous participation and clear accountability would only worsen mistrust and insecurity.
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