Miyetti Allah Denies Violence Sponsorship Amid US Sanctions

Baba Othman, the president of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), responded to recent U.S. sanctions by denying any involvement in violence against Christians. He clarified that the group's primary mission is to protect the interests of herders across Nigeria and that the association includes members from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Othman expressed surprise at the U.S. lawmakers' actions, which referenced a committee report urging sanctions against MACBAN due to alleged involvement in attacks on Christians. He argued that the actions of a few individuals should not reflect the entire association.

Othman also noted that conflicts between herders and farming communities are largely driven by land disputes, exacerbated by desertification and competition for farmland, rather than religious or ethnic animosities. He urged stakeholders to address the underlying causes of these conflicts instead of framing them along religious lines.