Miyetti Allah Denies Fulani Militancy Claims, Urges Reform

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has dismissed claims that link the Fulani ethnic group to armed militancy, responding to a report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. The report estimated that there are 30,000 armed Fulani militants operating in various parts of Nigeria.

Baba Ngelzarma, the national president of MACBAN, stated that this figure does not accurately reflect the Fulani population of 14.5 million peaceful citizens in Nigeria. The association warned against profiling the entire ethnic group based on the actions of criminal elements, asserting that Fulani pastoralists are often victims of insecurity, including cattle rustling and retaliatory attacks.

MACBAN reaffirmed its commitment to support security agencies in tackling insecurity and condemned all forms of violence. The association called for government support to reform the livestock sector, particularly ranching, as a long-term solution to conflicts linked to open grazing.