Residents of Kaiama and Baruten Local Government Areas in Kwara State are living in fear following the sudden arrival of several truckloads of suspected Fulani herders at border towns close to the Republic of Benin.
The newcomers, eyewitnesses say, have been arriving in droves over the past few weeks — heading straight to voter registration centres under the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“We just started seeing strange faces arriving in groups,” a resident of Kaiama told Dalena Reporters. “They go straight to the registration centres. Nobody knows where they came from or why they’re registering here.”
Locals describe the influx as “unusual and suspicious,” fearing it could trigger fresh security problems in a region already battling kidnapping, banditry, and land disputes.
Kaiama and Baruten share boundaries with the Republic of Benin — a border many residents say is too porous and difficult to monitor.
Community leaders warn that the movement of herders across this route, if unchecked, could alter the security and population balance in the area.
“We are not against anyone registering,” another resident said, “but this looks organized. It’s not ordinary movement. It feels political.”
INEC Offices Deserted in Some Areas
While registration continues in some communities, INEC workers in Patigi and Edu LGAs have reportedly abandoned their offices, citing rising insecurity and repeated kidnappings.
Officials confirm that registrants are supposed to live or work in the area before being allowed to register — but locals doubt that rule is being enforced.
Despite the mounting tension, state authorities have yet to issue any statement addressing the sudden influx. Residents are demanding government action, fearing the arrivals could be linked to pre-election manipulation or demographic engineering ahead of the 2027 general polls.
“If this continues, we won’t have peace,” a community elder said. “People are scared. Every day, another truck arrives.”
For now, the once-quiet border towns of Kwara remain on edge — watching the roads and waiting for answers no one seems ready to give.