The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has expressed astonishment at the potential designation as a terrorist organization by the US Congress, vehemently denying any association with criminality.
Baba Othman Ngelzarma, the National President of MACBAN, stated that the group, established 42 years ago, is a non-violent and non-religious association focused on protecting the interests of cattle breeders across Nigeria, irrespective of their background. He characterized MACBAN as the nation's sole democratic pastoralist group, with leadership determined through elections.
Ngelzarma emphasized that MACBAN is unarmed and has never claimed responsibility for, nor supported, any criminal activities or cooperated with criminal elements. He noted that many leaders of the association have tragically lost their lives due to their cooperation with security agencies in combating crime.
"We are really surprised that this association is still being considered for sanction. We don’t know for what reason; we are not a faceless group. We have offices in all the 36 states and local governments. We operate with the Nigerian government. We operate within the ambit of the law. We work with the government at the state, local government and the federal levels. We work with all security agencies," Ngelzarma stated.
He further highlighted MACBAN's engagement with international communities in peace-building efforts between farmers and herders, asserting that their operations are transparent and open for scrutiny.
"Our books are open for everybody to come and check. We have never gotten involved in any criminality. We have never been punished or taken to any court for any criminality, even within the country,"
Ngelzarma confirmed that MACBAN had previously submitted a comprehensive report in November to the American Ambassador, detailing the losses incurred by its members, including lists of those killed, with dates, locations, and photographic evidence. This report was intended for resolution by the US Congress.
He mentioned that a contingent from the US had met with MACBAN representatives at the American Embassy, which led them to believe their concerns were being addressed positively.
"All of a sudden, we saw yesterday, another report planning to sanction us as a criminal group. We are not a criminal group."
MACBAN appealed to the federal government to intervene and present their case to the American Congress to prevent the potentially dangerous implications of such sanctions.
"Our call to the federal government will remain for it to protect us as citizens, because the federal government knows this association. The federal government and subsequent governments of Nigeria have been working with this association in so many ways. We are not a faceless group. We are always open. Our offices are everywhere. So, our call to the federal government is for it to present our case the way it is, so that the American Congress can understand and reverse this decision. That is because this decision, as it is now, is very dangerous for the association and its membership in general."
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