Kwara in Turmoil as Second Miyetti Allah Leader Assassinated Within a Week

Kwara State has been plunged into deep concern following the brutal assassination of Alhaji Idris Abubakar, the chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). The attack, which occurred on March 8, 2025, marks the second high-profile killing of a MACBAN leader within a single week, sparking outrage and renewed fears over the escalating crisis.

Brazen Assassination Sparks Outrage

Alhaji Idris Abubakar, a well-respected leader known for his advocacy in pastoral reforms, was gunned down in cold blood near his residence in Oke Ose, Ilorin East Local Government Area. The gunmen ambushed him shortly after he returned from Taraweeh prayers, an attack that bore the hallmarks of a meticulously planned assassination.

According to the Kwara State Police Command, law enforcement officers arrived swiftly at the crime scene, recovering five expended 7.62mm shells. Authorities have since launched an intense manhunt for the assassins, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Escalating Attacks on Miyetti Allah Leaders

This latest murder follows closely on the heels of the killing of Alhaji Sirajo Mairana, the chairman of MACBAN’s Katsina chapter, who was slain in a similar manner. These targeted executions have sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s pastoralist community, raising concerns about a coordinated attack against Fulani herders' leadership.

According to Alhaji Baba Ngelzarma, the National President of MACBAN, the alarming trend of attacks is no coincidence. More than seven top MACBAN officials have been assassinated in the past two years, with the organization's National Vice President, Alhaji Manir Lamido, mysteriously disappearing in 2023.

The motives behind these brazen executions remain unclear. However, various speculations have emerged, ranging from ethnic and communal tensions to land disputes and security challenges plaguing Nigeria’s herding communities. The frequency of these killings suggests a pattern of targeted elimination, fueling fears of a deeper crisis brewing within the pastoralist leadership.

With Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and the escalation of inter-communal conflicts, some experts believe these assassinations could be linked to growing rivalries over grazing land, political interests, or even internal power struggles within the herding community.

Amid the rising tension, MACBAN has demanded a full-scale investigation, urging security agencies to intensify efforts in tracking the masterminds behind these killings. The association insists that failure to address these attacks could further destabilize rural communities and exacerbate Nigeria’s already fragile security landscape.

The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, has assured the public that law enforcement agencies are actively working to unravel the identities of those responsible, emphasizing that no stone will be left unturned.

The assassination of Alhaji Idris Abubakar is not just another tragedy—it is a wake-up call for authorities to tackle organized criminal elements threatening pastoralist leadership. With tensions running high, the next few weeks will be critical in determining whether these attacks are isolated incidents or part of a broader, sinister agenda.

As investigations continue, Nigeria watches closely, hoping that justice will be served and that peace can be restored before more lives are lost.