The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has criticised a move by the United States lawmakers to impose sanctions on the group over alleged violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
This comes after the US House of Representatives called on the Departments of State and Treasury to impose targeted sanctions on some Nigerian organisations, including Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
US President Donald Trump had earlier designated Nigeria as a country of particular over alleged persecution of Christians.
Speaking to newsmen in Kano, Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, a state leader of Miyetti Allah, said the United States should not act on half-truths or incomplete investigations.
Bakoji, who is also the Country Director of the International Human Rights Commission – Relief Funds Trust (IHRC-RFT), said it would be unfair to hold an entire organisation responsible for the actions of a few members.
“It is dangerous to take such measures without proper investigation,” he warned. “If an individual breaks the law, that person should be investigated and punished, not the whole group.”
He added that blanket sanctions could create tension and misunderstanding within the Fulani community and worsen insecurity.
Sanctions could worsen crises, warns Bakoji.
Bakoji, a retired army captain, said foreign governments should always work with Nigeria on security matters rather than taking unilateral actions.
“If countries like America impose sanctions on groups without concrete evidence, it will make people believe that the Fulani ethnic group is being targeted,” he said.
He warned that such actions could increase tensions in areas already struggling with farmer-herder conflicts.
According to Bakoji, Miyetti Allah’s mission is to promote peace and modern livestock practices among its members, not to fuel violence.
“These organisations were created to build peace and understanding between farmers and herders,” he said.
“Our leaders work daily to ensure members are law-abiding and embrace better ways of livestock management.”
He advised the US government to rely on verified information and to cooperate with Nigerian authorities in identifying wrongdoers, instead of making decisions based on half-baked data that could worsen the situation.
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