The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has denied allegations linking it to attacks on Christians in Nigeria, describing its mission as protecting the interests of herders.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa, MACBAN National President, Baba Othman Ngenzarma said the group is inclusive of all ethnicities and religions. “In our organization, there is no religion or ethnic group that is excluded. We have Hausas, Yorubas, Igbos, and followers of both Islam and Christianity,” he said.
Last month, the United States listed MACBAN among organizations under review for possible sanctions due to alleged involvement in attacks on Christians. Baba Othman, however, expressed surprise at the listing. “We do not carry weapons, and we have never sponsored any attacks. The government has never charged us with any crime,” he said.
U.S. lawmakers Riley Moore and Chris Smith recently presented a resolution citing a committee report that said Christians in Nigeria “have long been subjected to discrimination and violence.”
The resolution urged sanctions on MACBAN, other groups, and some Nigerians, including travel bans and asset freezes.
Baba Othman stressed that the actions of individuals should not define the entire organization. “You may find wrongdoers among police officers or soldiers, but that does not mean the whole institution is corrupt,” he said. He added that MACBAN is one of many herders’ associations in Nigeria, and not all herders or Fulani are members.
He also said MACBAN works closely with Nigerian security agencies and foreign missions to provide evidence of cooperation. “We shared detailed information on members killed due to security challenges, including names, dates, and photos,” he said.
According to Baba Othman, herder-related conflicts in Nigeria are primarily about land disputes, not religion or ethnicity. “Disputes arise over land use, not faith or tribe,” he said, citing desertification and competition for farmland as the main drivers.