Tragedy struck in Kwara State as unidentified gunmen assassinated Idrissu Abubakar, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state. The attack, which occurred late Saturday night, has sent shockwaves through the herders’ community and raised fresh concerns over the targeted killings of its leaders.
According to an official statement from MACBAN, heavily armed assailants stormed Abubakar’s residence in Oke Ose, Oke-Oyi, around 10:00 p.m. and shot him multiple times before escaping into the night. His body was later found at the entrance of his home.
Confirming the incident, MACBAN National Secretary-General, Bello Aliyu Gotomo, lamented the growing trend of violent attacks on the association’s key figures. He revealed that Abubakar’s assassination follows a disturbing pattern, coming just two months after the murder of his Katsina State counterpart, Sirajo Ahmad Mairana.
“In the past two years, we have lost seven of our leaders, including state and local government chairmen, to gunmen. These targeted killings are alarming and deeply concerning,” Gotomo stated.
The Kwara State Police Command has launched an investigation into the killing. In a statement, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed that law enforcement officers had recovered five expended 7.62mm shells from the crime scene.
“The Kwara State Police Command confirms the murder of Alhaji Idrissu Abubakar, Chairman of MACBAN, Kwara State. He was shot dead at the entrance of his residence in Oke Ose, Oke-Oyi, on March 8, 2025. His remains have been deposited at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) Mortuary,” Ejire-Adeyemi stated.
She further disclosed that the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has taken over the case, with Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, assuring that no stone will be left unturned in bringing the culprits to justice.
“We urge the public to remain calm and provide any useful information that could aid the investigation,” the police spokesperson added.
The assassination of Abubakar underscores the growing insecurity in Nigeria, particularly the targeted killings of Miyetti Allah leaders. The association, which represents cattle herders across the country, has repeatedly raised concerns over violent attacks on its members.
With the police vowing to track down the assailants, questions linger over the motive behind these assassinations and whether security agencies can put an end to this troubling pattern.
As investigations unfold, the killing of another high-profile leader in MACBAN adds to the rising fears of insecurity in Nigeria’s northern and central regions.
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