The Northeast Unity Forum (NEUF) has urged President Bola Tinubu and Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, to ensure the immediate release of Bello Bodejo, the National Leader of the Miyetti Allah group, who has been in detention.
Speaking during a press briefing at the weekend, NEUF National Coordinator Comrade Yusuf Bello Umar called for an apology to Bodejo for what he described as his “unlawful arrest and detention.”
The group criticized the government’s approach, accusing it of targeting individuals who have taken steps to address issues affecting the nation.
“It can be recalled that Bello Bodejo is among the minority of the minority of the ethnic leaders in this country that supported the fight against banditry by legally recruiting, training and posting of Fulanis to combat the menace of the bandits in Northern Nigeria, particularly in Northcentral state of Nasarawa.
“Noting that he was earlier arrested and detained for over five months without any tangible explanations, we are calling the attention of the chief of Defence staff and the President of the Federal republic of Nigeria to as a matter of urgency release Bello Bodejo with a clear and direct apology to him and the entire fulani community in Nigeria.
“And to channel their energy in combating the menace of the insurgents bedeviling the region as well as policies that will benefit the citizens rather than deviating to arrest citizens who have to zeel to support the government in bringing an end to insurgency in Northern Nigeria and Nigeria at large.
“We urge the government to unconditionally release Bello Bodejo immediately and ensure his health and safety are prioritized.
” The government should apologize to Bello Bodejo and his family as well as the entire fulani community over his unlawful detention,” Umar said.
NEUF also called on government to encourage individuals and groups who are willing to voluntarily contribute in the fight against insurgencies in Nigeria.
” The government should prioritize adjusting its policies such that hardship shall be relieved to citizens instead of creating more crises.
The NEUF is committed to ensure the lives, properties and territory of Northern Nigeria is safe and improved as well promoting policies that will improve the wellbeing of Northerners particularly.
“We therefore urge president Tinubu to act fast by ensuring the immediate safe release of Bello Bodejo and desist from creating scenes that can destabilize the peace and Unity of Nigeria,” the group added.
