Herders accuse Nigerian Army of unlawful detention of community leader after incident with retired General

By: Amaechi Okoro

The family of Bello Badejo, leader of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, has raised serious concerns regarding his arrest and detention by the Nigerian Army. They claim that his apprehension, which occurred on December 9, 2024, was unwarranted and rooted in unfounded allegations.

The incident in question involved a confrontation between a retired Nigerian Army General and a group of herders at Tudun Wada, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, on December 8, 2024. Diaspora digital media gathered that According to the family, Badejo had no involvement in the altercation but was detained because of his role as a respected community leader who attempted to mediate the situation.

On December 8, 2024, a retired Army General allegedly discharged firearms at a herd of cattle in Tudun Wada, causing significant damage and losses for the herders. In response, the herders reportedly acted in self-defense, disarming the General and subsequently reporting the matter to the police.

This incident escalated tensions between the herders and the military, especially considering the historical challenges in the region related to herder-farmer conflicts and military presence.

Despite not being involved in the event, Bello Badejo was targeted by authorities due to his reputation as a community leader. According to his brother, Suleiman Waziri, Badejo was not present at the scene of the incident in Tudun Wada but was arrested in connection to it because he had been approached by relatives of the herders for assistance.

As a well-respected figure, he had been asked to mediate and secure the release of cattle that had been confiscated during the altercation. His family insists that this was the only reason for his involvement, and his arrest was unjustifiable.

Badejo’s brother, Suleiman Waziri, detailed the events leading up to the arrest in an interview with Diaspora digital media. Waziri stated that his brother had been preparing for the opening of the Maliya Market Ceremony in Nasarawa State when he was taken into custody by officers of the 117 Battalion.

He further clarified that Badejo had no connection to the incident in Tudun Wada, as he was in Maliya at the time, dealing with his responsibilities as a community leader. Despite this, he was arrested in a commando-style operation carried out by military personnel.

The arrest took place on December 9, 2024, the day after the incident in Tudun Wada, and was seemingly motivated by the herders’ request for mediation.

Waziri claims that the family was not informed of the charges or allegations against Badejo, and his legal rights were violated as he was denied access to counsel and family members. Legal representatives have been unable to meet with him, and the 117 Battalion officers have insisted that any access must be granted by higher authorities.

The family has accused the Nigerian Army of acting outside the bounds of the law, with Waziri emphasizing that the arrest was an attempt to intimidate and silence Badejo.

He maintains that his brother’s only crime was attempting to assist the herders, who had suffered substantial losses in the altercation with the retired General.

The involvement of the herders in this situation is central to the controversy. According to Suleiman Waziri, the herders had sought help from Badejo after the firearms were discharged at their cattle.

This request for assistance was driven by a belief in Badejo’s influence and status as a mediator in the region. However, despite his lack of direct involvement in the violent confrontation, Badejo found himself at the center of the fallout, arrested by the military for attempting to intervene on behalf of the herders.

The herders’ actions in self-defense against the retired General raised concerns about the escalating tension between military personnel and local farmers and herders in the region.

The involvement of the military in such incidents, particularly when civilians or community leaders like Badejo are caught in the middle, adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation. Many believe that this is a case of mismanagement of local conflicts by military forces, further exacerbating the challenges faced by herders in Nasarawa and other parts of Nigeria.

The family of Bello Badejo has made a formal appeal to the Nigerian Army high command, calling for his immediate and unconditional release. They have also demanded that his legal team be granted access to him to ensure that his rights are respected.

The family believes that his arrest was unjust, and the charges against him are baseless. They called on the Chief of Army Staff and other relevant authorities to investigate the incident impartially and transparently, without allowing any political or military influence to cloud the process.

The family’s call for justice comes amid growing concerns about the treatment of herders in Nigeria, especially in regions where herder-farmer conflicts are common. Many of the herders are caught in the crossfire of conflicts not of their making, and community leaders like Badejo are often sought out to mediate tensions.

The arrest of such leaders raises questions about the role of the military in dealing with civilian disputes and whether the actions taken are in the best interest of the public.

Following his arrest, Bello Badejo was transferred to the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for further investigation. Lieutenant Olokodana Odunayo, the Acting Public Relations Officer of the Guards Brigade, confirmed to journalists that the 117 Battalion had handed over Badejo to the DIA, although no additional details about the transfer or the investigation were provided.

The transfer to the DIA adds another layer of mystery to the case. The DIA, which handles intelligence matters related to national security, is known for its secrecy and lack of transparency. This move has led to further concerns from the family and the public about the handling of the case, with many speculating that the military intends to keep Badejo in custody indefinitely without providing any clarity on the charges or reasons for his detention.

This case has broader implications for the herders and their place in Nigerian society. Historically, herders have faced challenges in gaining recognition and protection under Nigerian law, especially when conflicts arise with farmers, the military, or other groups. Incidents like the one in Tudun Wada are just the latest in a long series of challenges for herders, who often face violence and discrimination from various quarters.

The role of community leaders like Bello Badejo is critical in mediating these disputes, and the arrest of such leaders raises concerns about the willingness of authorities to allow dialogue and peaceful resolution.

The treatment of herders, and by extension their leaders, reflects the current state of governance in Nigeria and the importance of addressing ethnic and regional tensions within the country. Without effective communication and the involvement of trusted community leaders, it is unlikely that long-term peace will be achieved in areas affected by herder-farmer conflicts.

The arrest of Bello Badejo, a respected community leader and head of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, has sparked outrage among his family and the public. The charges against him remain unclear, but his family insists that his only role in the incident involving the retired Army General was to assist the herders in securing their cattle.

The Nigerian Army’s actions have raised serious questions about the treatment of herders and the role of military forces in local conflicts. The family is calling for transparency, an impartial investigation, and the immediate release of Bello Badejo.

The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by herders in Nigeria and the need for better mediation and conflict resolution mechanisms to address the growing tensions between various groups in the country.

More details coming soon…

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