Prominent Hausa and Fulani leaders in Kwara State, alongside the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), have denied knowledge of any meeting allegedly held in Ilorin to discuss arming nomadic Fulani (Bororo) herders to combat banditry.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the groups condemned a report attributed to the former Seriki Fulani of Igangan, Oyo State, Alhaji Saliu Abdulkadir, who was quoted by SaharaReporters as confirming awareness of such a meeting.

The statement, signed by the leaders, clarified that no segment of the Fulani community in Kwara State or its associations participated in any meeting relating to security arrangements or the alleged arming of Bororos.

Abdulkadir reportedly said he was aware of the gathering, although he did not attend. He allegedly described Bororos as a volatile group of migrant Fulani herders often linked to violent clashes and kidnappings.

Rejecting this claim, the Kwara leaders described the comments credited to Abdulkadir as “misleading and capable of inciting division among communities.” They stressed that insecurity affects all residents equally and should only be addressed through collective, coordinated action.

“The comments credited to Alhaji Saliu Abdulkadir are unfortunate and do not represent the opinion of Fulani or Hausa leaders in Kwara State. We distance ourselves from such divisive statements and reaffirm our loyalty to peace, unity, and the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,” the statement read.

The leaders commended the Kwara State Government and security agencies for their ongoing efforts to protect lives and property, urging the public to disregard reports capable of creating disunity.

MACBAN further emphasized that it had no knowledge of any such meeting or interview involving Abdulkadir, reiterating its commitment to peaceful herding practices and cooperation with security agencies to identify and flush out criminal elements disguising as herders.