FACT CHECK: How true is the video claiming terrorists will retaliate against attacks on Fulanis in Kwara

CLAIM

Fulani terrorists are heading to Ilesha in Baruten Local Government Area of ​​Kwara State to avenge the killing of Fulani people after youths attacked Fulani communities in the area.

INDICTMENT

Misleading! Examination showed that the video was used out of context.

BACKGROUND

A viral video circulating on Facebook claims that armed Fulani terrorists are on their way to Ilesha-Baruba and Kaima in Kwara State to avenge the killing of Fulani individuals following the death of an Islamic cleric, Alfa Muhammad Iliyasu.

The video is shared by Facebook page Baruten Nation on June 8, 2026, shows armed men on motorbikes, moving along a paved road in celebration. A voice note in Baruba language accompanying the video also added that the terrorists would also reach Kaima.

The post read in part: “Threats of Retaliation after Ilesha-Baruba clashes, 30 May 2026. After youths torched 10 Fulani houses following the killing of Islamic cleric, Muhammad Illiyasu. Security officials warned of retaliation.”

However, the original video that Baruten Nation posted on its Facebook page was later deleted and replaced with a delivery of voice notes the same message.

Reports emerged that Alfa Iliasu, an Islamic cleric, widely known in Baruten and surrounding communities, was killed following a violent attack carried out by suspected Fulani assailants at his residence in Ilesha-Baruba, Kwara State. The attackers allegedly hit him on the head with a short sword. Even though he was rushed to hospital, Alfa Iliasu reportedly died before receiving treatment.

A videos surfacing online further suggests that one of the suspects is hanged by an angry mob in front of the police station. Public sources said there were three suspects involved: one person was killed at the scene by residents, another was arrested, and another escaped. More Fulanis were reportedly attacked, and their houses burnt down by angry Batonu youths in Ilesha. Hemce, the reason the narrative is driven by the Facebook page.

At the time of this report, the misleading post had received over 890 likes, over 2.2k views, 45 reshares and 28 comments.

A visit to the comments section shows that some people believe the narrative to be true.

For example, @Sulaiman Manne wrote: “God have mercy on us, please don’t let us mind whether old videos or new videos are ready any time“. Likewise, @Iliyasu S Saidu said: “And we believe God will strike them too”.

FINDINGS

First, a Reverse Image Search is performed using keyframes extracted from viral videos. Results from Google Lens show that the video had been online since March 18, 2026 — almost three months before the Ilesha-Baruba clash occurred on May 30, 2026.

Second, the original video was traced to an Instagram account with the username @Uhfdcvntuugdzh, posted on March 18, 2026with a different caption: “Nigeria’s owners are on a mission. They are bigger and more powerful than the government.

Additionally, there was no mention of Ilesha-Baruba, Kaima, or any retaliation in the original post. The discrepancy emphasizes that the video was not recorded after the May 30 clashes and retaliatory attacks.

CONCLUSION

FALSE! This reporter’s findings show that videos claiming Fulani terrorists are heading to Ilesha-Baruba and Kaima to carry out revenge are unrelated and misleading. The video predates the cited conflict and was originally posted with a very different context. Spreading it as recent evidence of an impending attack is disinformation.

By: Shehu Uthman