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Renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has cautioned security agencies against indiscriminate arrest of Fulani youth under the guise of fighting banditry.
Speaking at the venue of the launch of a Nomadic Right Concern group in Kaduna, the Sheikh said so far, there are many innocent Fulani youths and children in custody.
He said the group aims to ensure that the innocent Fulani youth arrested for committing no crime get justice, adding that, that will help bring peace to the country.
“Just a few days ago, a man called to tell me that security agencies arrested his seven innocent children on 17 May 2022 and since then, there was no news on their whereabouts. There are also many testimonies of the disappearance of Fulani youths and children without a trace.
“There are those kept in secure custody and prisons for years without trial. If somebody is arrested for a crime, the laws say he should be taken to court within 24 hours but these youths are kept for years without trial, some have died in custody. This cannot be happening in a country like this.
“The Nomadic Right Concern group was introduced to seek justice for the innocent children arrested. Those that are found guilty should be punished by the law but the innocent ones should be released in the interest of justice and equity. such indiscriminate arrest of youth and children must stop,” he said.
He explained that the group has among its mandates, finding out the number of Fulani innocent children still incarcerated and getting lawyers to take up their cases.
Speaking on the formation of the human rights group, the Chairman, Professor
Umar Labdo, said the Nomadic Rights Concern is not for Fulani alone, but for all nomads and pastoralists, irrespective of their ethnicity, region, or religion.
He said the organization will provide a voice for the voiceless herders whereby they will be able to address the nation and explain their needs, their hopes, and aspirations.
