Notorious Cattle Herders Association Miyetti Allah’s President Arrested by Army

By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com | posted november 11th, 2024

The Nigerian Army has arrested Bello Bodejo, the leader of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), aka Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

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The arrest of Bodejo is alleged to be linked to a broader context of herder-farmer clashes, a longstanding issue in Nigeria which especially gained notoriety and front-seat in the country’s security challenges during the administration of ex-president Muhammadu Buhari-led government, where the association was almost untouchable or un-discussable.

According to online news reports, Bodejo was apprehended at his office in Maliya by soldiers from the 117 Battalion, following an incident involving herders and a retired general in Tudun Wada, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.

The clash reportedly ensued after the retired general allegedly fired at a herd of cattle, leading to losses for the herders. In retaliation, the herders reportedly disarmed the general and filed a complaint with the police.

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Bodejo’s family has stated that his role was limited to assisting the herders in recovering their confiscated cattle.

However, observers posit that this arrest has raised questions about the handling of such conflicts and the military’s role in addressing issues involving herders and local communities. The case underscores the complexities of balancing security concerns with the rights and grievances of different stakeholders.

In a statement issued by Suleiman Waziri, Bodejo’s brother, he said;

“On the 8th of December 2024, an incident occurred at Tudun Wada, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, involving a retired general of the Nigerian Army.

“The general reportedly discharged firearms at a herd of cattle, causing significant losses for the herders.
“Acting in self-defense, the herders disarmed the general and reported the matter to the police.”

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“My brother’s only involvement in this matter arose when relatives of the herders approached him earlier on the morning of 9th December 2024, pleading for his intervention as a respected leader to help secure the release of their confiscated cattle.

“This was purely a humanitarian effort on his part, yet he was unfairly detained without evidence linking him to the events in Tudun Wada.

“Efforts by our legal representatives to meet with Alhaji Bello Bodejo have been stonewalled.

“On visiting the 117 Battalion, both I and his legal counsel were denied access to him.

“The commanding officer claimed that permission to see him could only come from ‘above’.

“We call on the chief of army staff and other relevant authorities to order the immediate and unconditional release of Alhaji Bello Bodejo, as no evidence has been presented linking him to any wrongdoing.

“Direct the 117 Battalion to grant his legal representatives unhindered access to him.

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“Ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident at Tudun Wada to establish the facts and ensure justice for all parties involved.”

The Nigerian Army has not availed any statement on the matter.