The Fulani community in Kwara has expressed concern over the growing menace of cattle rustling, describing it as a major threat to the livelihoods of pastoralists across the state.

Speaking at a news conference on Friday in Ilorin, the Ardo (leader) of the Fulani community in Kwara, Adamu Mahmud-Ojonla, said cattle rustling remains one of the biggest security challenges confronting herders.

He said livestock serves as the primary source of income and sustenance for the Fulani communities.

Mr Mahmud-Ojonla, who commended security agencies for their efforts in tackling the crime, observed that about 30 per cent of the cattle stolen by suspected bandits had been recovered through coordinated operations involving security personnel.

According to him, owners of the recovered cattle have been invited to identify their animals using established means of identification before they are returned to them.

“The bandits are now targeting herdsmen with their cows in the bush, where they attack them and rustle the cows away.

“These bandits have observed that ransom taking from kidnapping takes a long time and the new tactics employed by them are to target herdsmen, kill them and rustle their animals,” he said.

Mr Mahmud-Ojonla pointed out that the community’s means of livelihood had been jeopardised, leaving many residents without a means of survival.

He commended Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara, the Emir of Ilorin, as well as all the security operatives for their efforts in fighting insecurity and recovering some of the animals back to the community.

The Fulani leader also appealed to the state government to revive nomadic education for their children.

“Beyond security, government should address the long-term welfare of pastoral communities through improved access to education.

“We appeal for establishment of more nomadic schools, deployment of qualified teachers, and effective monitoring of the programme to ensure its success,” he said.

He noted that education is becoming increasingly important among Fulani communities and urged the government to sustain interventions that would promote peaceful coexistence, improve livelihoods, and reduce insecurity.

Also speaking, the secretary to the Ardo of Fulani, Ibrahim Dende, disclosed that many of the animals were recovered from Kogi and Niger states.

Mr Dende, who also spoke on behalf of those who recovered their cattle, commended the government, security agencies, and the chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Femi Yusuf, for their support in the recovery efforts. 

(NAN)