The family of Bello Bodejo, the president of Miyetti Allah Kautal, have spoken out against the Nigerian Army's arrest and detention of him.

According to his brother, Suleiman Waziri, Bodejo was taken into custody on December 10, 2024, by officers of the 117 Battalion of the Nigerian Army at his office in Maliya, Nasarawa state.

The arrest allegedly stemmed from an incident involving some herders and a retired army general in the Tudun Wada area of Nasarawa.

On December 8, 2024, a retired general reportedly discharged firearms at a herd of cattle, causing significant losses for the herders.

The Cable reported that the herders then disarmed the general and reported the matter to the police. Waziri claims that his brother was not involved in the incident but was instead detained for attempting to help secure the release of confiscated cattle.

Waziri described the arrest as 'unlawful' and a 'gross injustice', calling on the military authorities to release Bodejo, citing the lack of evidence linking him to any wrongdoing.

Waziri also requested that the 117 Battalion grant his legal representatives access to Bodejo and that a thorough investigation be conducted to establish the facts and ensure justice for all parties involved.

This is not Bodejo's first run-in with the law. On January 23, 2024, he was arrested for unveiling a vigilante group, which the federal government accused him of using to raise an armed militia.

However, on May 29, 2024, the court discharged Bodejo of the alleged terrorism charge filed against him.

The family's concerns about Bodejo's detention have highlighted the ongoing tension between herders and the Nigerian government. As the situation unfolds, how the military authorities will respond to Waziri's calls for his brother's release remains to be seen.

Family accuses Army of detaining Miyetti Allah leader https://t.co/6znefzxQWo

— Isaac Umunna (@isumunna) December 11, 2024