By Samuel Ogunsona
The Fulani socio-cultural association, Miyetti-Allah Kautal Hore, has launched a 4000 strong all Fulani youth vigilante group.
The Miyetti Allah leaders said the launch was in response to the security challenges in Nigeria.
The 4000 youths will be based in Nasarawa State.
The unveiling which took place in the state capital, Lafia, on Wednesday saw a total of 1,144 strong fulani youths as the initial members of the group with a plan to reach the 4,000 target.
The North Central states including Plateau, Benue and Niger are confronted with serious security problems bordering on insecurity
Such challenges include kidnapping, sexual violence, terrorism and other forms of violence.
The National President of the association, Abdullahi Bello Bondejo, said part of the objectives of the group is to assist security agencies to secure the livelihood of farmers and herders in the state.
The event was attended by the Nasarrawa State Police Commissioner, Umar Nadabba
Hundreds of members in green uniform came with the Miyetti Allah leader who came to the venue with full police security escort. (The video of the Miyetti Allah visit is attached)
Observers are however worried about the legal rights of a group that claimed to be social cultural now setting up a massive security outfit.
Bodejo in his statement made available to Irohinoodua said selection of members was from various communities in about 13 local governments of the Middle Belt State.
Miyetti Allah, he said wish to recruit no fewer than 4,000 Fulani youths.
He said the profiling of candidates and recruits is still ongoing.
“Every ethnic group has criminal elements among them, so if a Fulani man or woman commits a crime, he or she should be treated as a criminal just like others and not a Fulani criminal,” he said.
Also., speaking at the event, Nasarawa commissioner of police, Umar Nadada, applauded the effort of Miyetti Allah for establishing the security group.
Umar assured the group that the police force is ready to collaborate with the vigilante group in securing lives and properties.
He admonished the Miyetti Allah to avoid jungle justice.
He said recruited members should follow laid down constitutional methods in addressing and fighting crime in Nassarawa and the Middle Belt states.