The Kwara State government has announced plans to prioritise the education of herders’ children as part of efforts to produce good leaders and reduce insecurity across the state.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq made this known at a security meeting held in Ilorin, organised by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) for herders, security agencies, and other stakeholders from the 16 local government areas.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Strategy, Abdulsalam Atiku, the governor explained that education remains a critical tool in discouraging young people from joining criminal groups. “Educating herders’ children will prevent them from joining bad groups and ensure that they contribute positively to society,” he said.
Governor AbdulRazaq added that herders need to embrace modern methods of cattle rearing, which will reduce farmer-herder clashes that have negatively affected food production and agriculture.
He noted that the state government has already introduced several interventions across the 16 local government areas to support herders and their vocations.
Speaking at the meeting, the member representing Banni/Adena State Constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly, Saidu Baba, called for stronger measures to address security challenges. “The problem of insecurity should be tackled with all the necessary strength it deserves,” he said, assuring that legislators will continue to make laws that will help reduce insecurity in the state.
The leader of herders in Kwara State, Alhaji Ojonla Mahmud, represented by Ali Muhammed Jowuro, expressed support for the government’s initiatives. He urged herders to cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious movements around their communities.
“We will ensure adequate support for government initiatives to end insecurity at all levels,” he assured.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Kwara State Chapter, Alhaji Shehu Garba, lamented the impact of insecurity on herders. “Insecurity has made life unbearable for herders,” he said, warning that failure to address the situation could lead to the collapse of livestock farming not just in Kwara State, but across the country. He further urged herders to support government initiatives aimed at restoring peace.
Insecurity has remained a growing concern in Kwara State in recent years, with incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, and violent clashes between farmers and herders disrupting economic activities and spreading fear among residents. Farmers in some areas have abandoned their farmlands due to attacks, causing reduced agricultural output and rising food prices. Herders have also faced difficulties in moving livestock safely, threatening their livelihoods.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has stressed the need for a comprehensive approach, including stronger security, community vigilance, and educational opportunities to keep young people away from crime. Traditional rulers and local stakeholders have also been engaged in efforts to support intelligence sharing and peacebuilding.
Despite these measures, insecurity continues to pose a challenge. On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, gunmen attacked the Ilesah Baruba motor park in Baruten Local Government Area, killing six people and injuring two others. The assailants reportedly shot indiscriminately, creating panic in the community.
Following the attack, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Olufemi Oluyede, directed Nigerian soldiers to flush out a new terrorist group operating in Kaiama and Baruten Local Government Areas of Kwara State. This move is expected to strengthen the fight against violent groups in the region.
The Kwara State government has since reaffirmed its commitment to adopting a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach to addressing emerging security threats. Authorities say the strategy will combine education, security reinforcement, and community cooperation to ensure safety and sustainable development across the state.