Following an emergency security meeting, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has banned all ethnic vigilante groups in the state, including the Fulani, Bassa, and Eggon vigilantes. These groups are directed to surrender their uniforms and weapons to the state’s Commissioner of Police within two weeks.
The decision, influenced by advice from the state security council, cites Section 97A of the The decision, influenced by advice from the state security council, cites Section 97A of the Penal Code among other legal provisions. Code among other legal provisions.
This action follows the arrest of Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, the National President of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, who had previously initiated a large Fulani vigilante group, leading to his arrest by the military in January 2024.
“Similar Organisations includes any association, movement or group of persons or society in whatever name called or form, with the aim and objectives of providing security amongst particular ethnic groups within Nasarawa State through the use of force or arms etc.
“Accordingly, the Kungiyar Zaman Lafiya nomad Vigilante, Bassa Vigilante, Eggon Vigilante and other similar organizations are henceforth proscribed and declared unlawful societies that are inimical to good governance in the state.
“The State Government, therefore, directed that members of the Kungiwar Zaman Lafiya nomad Vigilante, Bassa Vigilante, Eggon Vigilante and other similar organizations, to hand all weapons or arms in their possession along with uniforms to the Commissioner of Police Nasarawa State within two weeks from the date of issuance of the order,” the Executive Order No. 1 of 2024 read in part.