The Kwara State Police Command has launched an investigation into the assassination of the leader of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Kwara State, Idris Abubakar.
Abubakar, 32, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on Saturday night in front of his residence in Oke Ose, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State.
His killing comes barely three months after the MCBAN leader in Katsina State, Alhaji Amadu Surajo, said similarly killed by gunmen.
Earlier, gunmen had abducted Surajo’s predecessor and he has yet to be found.
MACBAN’s National President, Baba Ngelzarma, had in January raised the alarm that leaders of the association were being targeted by killers, calling for government’s protection.
“It is getting out of hand,”Ngelzarma said. “Our members who held leadership positions in Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa and Katsina have been targeted by gunmen. We call for the federal and state governments to ensure the protection of our members wherever they are.”
In a statement on Sunday, the Public Relations Officer for the Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the the killing of MACBAN leader in Kwara State, Abubakar, stating that officers recovered five expended 7.62mm shells from the scene and have since deposited Abubakar’s remains at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital mortuary.
“The Kwara State Police Command confirms the murder of Alhaji Idris Abubakar, Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Kwara State, who was shot dead on March 8, 2025, at the entrance of his residence in Oke Ose, Oke-Oyi,” the statement read.
“The State Criminal Investigation Department has commenced a full investigation. Commissioner of Police Victor Olaiya assures the public that the perpetrators will be brought to justice and urges anyone with useful information to come forward.”
The Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Inter-Community Relations (Fulani), Muhammed Abdullahi, also confirmed the killing, describing it as tragic.
“Yes, he was killed in front of his residence on Saturday night by gunmen who left him for dead,” Abdullahi said. “We are preparing for his janaza (funeral), but the police have begun an investigation.”
Eyewitnesses said the attack occurred around 10 p.m. when the assailants ambushed Abubakar and shot him at close range before fleeing.
“I was with him just 20 minutes before he was killed,” said Aina’u Sarki, a local resident. “Then I got a call informing me that he had been shot.”
In a statement, MACBAN Secretary Abdulazeez Mohammed expressed the association’s grief over the loss.
“With deep sorrow, we announce the tragic passing of our esteemed chairman, Alhaji Idris Abubakar Sakaina, who was killed by unknown gunmen yesterday at about 10:00 p.m. in his Oke Ose residence. He is survived by two wives and six children,” the statement read.
Tunde Oyekola @ThePUNCH
