The Fulani community in Nigeria has made a formal appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the detention of their leader, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, who is currently being held by the Department of State Services (DSS) ¹.
In an open letter, the community expressed concern over Bodejo’s “illegal and unconstitutional” detention, citing his initial arrest on December 9, 2024, by the Nigerian Army’s 177 Battalion in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Despite a court ruling declaring his detention illegal and ordering his release, Bodejo was re-arrested on December 31, 2024, and has remained in detention since.
The Fulani community questioned why Bodejo, a key supporter of the government, was being treated in such a manner, especially given his role in mobilizing support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 elections.
They also raised concerns about his deteriorating health, noting that he had previously been hospitalized abroad and required urgent medical attention.
The community urged President Tinubu to ensure Bodejo’s immediate and unconditional release, citing the need to uphold the rule of law and constitutional democracy.
They also expressed optimism that the establishment of the new Ministry of Livestock Development would address their concerns and called on the president to take swift action to resolve the matter.
In the letter, the Miyetti Allah group stated, “We are hopeful that the establishment and creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development will bring positive change. The entire Fulani community in Nigeria has confidence in your Renewed Hope Agenda. Thank you for your attention to this matter”
Miyetti Allah is a Fulani ethnic organization in Nigeria that has allegedly been associated with several atrocities and human rights abuses, particularly in relation to the ongoing farmer-herder conflicts in the country.
Some of the alleged atrocities linked to Miyetti Allah include:- Killings and massacres. Miyetti Allah has been accused of being responsible for numerous attacks on farming communities, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people.
Displacement and destruction of property:- The organization has been linked to the destruction of homes, farms, and other properties, leading to the displacement of thousands of people
Ethnic cleansing: Some critics have accused Miyetti Allah of engaging in ethnic cleansing, targeting specific ethnic groups and communities in their attacks.
Terrorism: Miyetti Allah has been designated as a terrorist organization by some Nigerian states, due to its alleged involvement in violent attacks and killings.
Land grabbing: The organization has been accused of using violence and intimidation to take over land from farming communities, leading to conflicts over resources and territory.
It’s essential to note that not all Fulani people or Miyetti Allah members are involved in these atrocities, and many Fulani individuals and groups have condemned the violence and worked towards peaceful coexistence with other communities.
The Nigerian government has faced criticism for its handling of the farmer-herder conflicts and the alleged atrocities committed by Miyetti Allah.
Addressing these issues will require a comprehensive approach that involves dialogue, reconciliation, and accountability for those responsible for the violence.
