The Yoruba Union, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the Federal Government’s plan to fast-track the National Ranching Programme in Kwara State, alleging that the move amounts to “handing over Yorubaland to Fulani extremists” amid rising insecurity.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the group’s Convener, Olusola Badero, and released through its Home Director, Princess Balogun, the union questioned the timing of the ranching initiative, citing ongoing killings and kidnappings in parts of the state.
The group maintained that there is no history of farmer–herder clashes between Yoruba farmers and herders in Kwara. Instead, it alleged that communities have suffered repeated attacks, abductions and killings carried out by armed individuals it described as Fulani extremists.
“We unequivocally reject the launching of ranching in Kwara State by President Tinubu’s government while our people are being killed and dozens remain in captivity,” the statement read. “The only compensation for these incessant attacks appears to be handing Yoruba people into the control of those responsible for the violence.”
According to the union, ranching does not address the underlying security crisis in the state. It claimed that several communities have been abandoned due to persistent attacks and warned that introducing ranching under current conditions could deepen tensions and create future land ownership disputes.
“Our people have fled their ancestral homes because of daily attacks. Their communities have been taken over, yet the government now seeks to formalise land control in the name of ranching,” the group stated.
The organisation also accused the administration of politicising security issues ahead of the 2027 presidential election, alleging that national safety concerns were being sidelined for political interests.
Referencing recent security developments, the union claimed that suspected members of Boko Haram released a video showing more than 176 residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, including women and children, held captive.
It further argued that many of the attackers linked to kidnappings in the state do not operate as traditional herders. “Those involved in abductions and attacks move on motorcycles with rifles, not with cattle. Why then propose ranches in Kwara?” the statement queried.
The Yoruba Union urged the President to suspend the proposed ranching programme, warning that its implementation under the current security climate could exacerbate instability rather than resolve it.
Reaffirming its position, the group said it would oppose any policy it believes threatens the safety and rights of Yoruba communities, stressing that protecting its people remains its foremost priority.
