The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has said the organisation is not a militia, armed group or religious movement, but a socio-economic association engaged in lawful trade representation.
President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, stated this on Sunday in Abuja at a news briefing on the U.S. House Resolution (H. Res.) 860 and recent developments.
Othman-Ngelzarma also said that MACBAN does NOT support, condone, harbour, finance, or protect any form of criminality, extremism or violence, adding that the association was not and has never been an armed group or violent organisation.
According to him, MACBAN condemns in the strongest possible terms banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping, terrorism, or any crime whatsoever.
The president stated that any individual who engages in crime, whether pastoralist or not, acts alone ” and must face the full weight of Nigerian law.
He said, ” Our membership spans all states of the federation and contributes significantly to Nigeria’s food security, rural economy, and national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“As a non-political, non-religious and non-violent association, our focus remains advocacy for pastoral development, modernisation of livestock systems, and the peaceful coexistence of herders and farmers through dialogue and mutual respect.
“MACBAN’s identity is founded on appreciation, service, and community development—not violence or confrontation.
“Any attempt to associate us with any extremists or criminal elements misrepresents our core objectives and values.”
Othman-Ngelzarma assured that MACBAN would continue to support peace building and security initiatives for a harmonious and resilient Nigeria.
He said that criminals must not be mistaken for pastoralists, and the peaceful pastoral majority should not and must not ever be profiled because of the actions of a few violent individuals who exploit pastoral identity.
“MACBAN wishes to address the Nigerian public, the international community, and particularly the United States Government including the distinguished members of the United States Congress regarding the recently introduced U.S. House Resolution H. Res. 860.
“MACBAN acknowledges the humanitarian concerns that underpin the resolution. However, some of its assertions present an incomplete and misleading picture of pastoral communities in Nigeria.
“We, therefore, find it important to request for a balanced, factual, and informed position and offer clarification that reflects the realities on the ground.
“Any international intervention—legislative or humanitarian—must be based on accurate context, not stereotypes or incomplete narratives,” the president said.
Othman-Ngelzarma appealed to the United States Congress to reverse HR 860 to remove all mention of MACBAN.
“They should engage with credible local actors, including pastoralist and farming groups, security agencies, and civil society partners and evidence-based assessments that include the humanitarian losses of pastoral communities.
“The congress should support long-term interventions, including grazing reserves and land restoration,” he said.
Othman-Ngelzarma stated that Nigeria’s pastoral sector was a critical part of the nation’s economy and cultural heritage and required support, not stigmatisation.
He continued,” MACBAN reaffirms its dedication to peace, justice, and national unity.
” We will continue to work with the security agencies, development partners, and governments to address the root causes of conflict and ensure that herding and farming communities coexist in safety and mutual respect.
“We urge all Nigerians and international stakeholders to stand with those who risk their lives daily—security operatives, community mediators, traditional rulers, and pastoral leaders—working tirelessly to restore peace to our nation”.
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