Reports from remote communities in Kwara State’s Kaiama and Baruten local government areas have sparked alarm, as residents claim that truckloads of Fulani herders from various parts of Nigeria—and possibly beyond—are being brought to INEC registration centres for voter enrolment.
Locals describe the movement as massive and unprecedented, raising concerns about potential political manipulation and security risks in these border communities.
Both Kaiama and Baruten, predominantly Batonu-speaking areas, share a porous boundary with the Republic of Benin, making cross-border movements difficult to monitor.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently commenced its nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. Online pre-registration began on August 18, 2025, while in-person registration at local government offices and designated centres started on August 25, 2025. The exercise is scheduled to run until August 30, 2026.
Video footage shared by Sahara Reporter on X has already sparked widespread reactions, with many expressing concern over the scale of the mobilisation.
Residents and online users continue to watch developments closely and share their thoughts in the comments.
