From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, over the creation of a vigilance group in Nasarawa State, to protect his members.
Bodejo was said to have been arrested by a combined team of DSS and soldiers at the Miyetti Allah’s Head Office, located at Tundun Maliya Cattle Market, Kilometre 22, Abuja-Keffi Expressway, Tundun-Wada, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, yesterday.
The newly created security outfit known as Nomad’s Vigilance Group, has drawn criticism from Nigerians who fear that the creation of the Nomad’s Vigilance Group could cause violence across the country in the future. It was gathered that the group was not registered with the security agencies as required before setting up a security outfit.
However, the DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, was yet to confirm or deny the arrest at the time of filing this report.
Commentators on social media said the DSS operatives, alongside some soldiers of the Nigerian Army, stormed the Miyetti Allah’s head office, close to Goshen Church, at about 3:40pm, yesterday, as they drove off after arresting Bodejo at the gate.
Upon the creation of the vigilance group, Bodejo had emphasised that the volunteer vigilantes would strictly adhere to the country’s existing laws in their operations.
Bodejo, who spoke during the inauguration of the group in Lafia, Nasarawa State, urged the volunteer vigilantes to work in collaboration with the police, army, and other security agencies to ensure a more comprehensive approach to security across the 13 local councils of the state.