The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has reacted strongly to calls by members of the United States House of Representatives urging the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury to impose targeted sanctions on the group and its affiliate, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, over alleged violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
This development follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”, citing alleged persecution of Christians a claim that has sparked intense reactions within Nigeria’s political and social circles.
Speaking exclusively to DAILY POST in Kano, Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, a state leader of Miyetti Allah and Country Director of the International Human Rights Commission – Relief Funds Trust (IHRC-RFT), described the move by the U.S. lawmakers as misguided, unfair, and dangerous, warning that such actions could worsen insecurity and fuel ethnic tension.
“It is dangerous to take such measures without proper investigation,” Bakoji said. “If an individual breaks the law, that person should be investigated and punished not an entire organisation. You cannot hold millions of members responsible for the misdeeds of a few.”
He cautioned that imposing blanket sanctions on the group could be misinterpreted as a direct attack on the Fulani ethnic community, which he said might deepen mistrust and conflict in regions already plagued by farmer-herder clashes.
“If countries like America impose sanctions on groups without concrete evidence, it will make people believe that the Fulani ethnic group is being targeted,” Bakoji noted. “Such actions could increase tensions in areas already struggling with insecurity.”
The retired army captain stressed that Miyetti Allah’s core mission has always been to promote peace, modern livestock management, and better relations between herders and farmers. He added that the association has repeatedly worked with local communities and authorities to curb violence and foster understanding.
“These organisations were created to build peace and understanding between farmers and herders,” he explained. “Our leaders constantly educate members to be law-abiding and to adopt improved livestock practices.”
Bakoji further urged the U.S. government to engage the Nigerian authorities directly before taking any punitive action. He said genuine collaboration not external condemnation would yield better results in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
“Foreign governments should always cooperate with Nigeria on security issues rather than taking unilateral decisions based on half-baked data,” he said. “The U.S. should rely on verified information and partner with the Nigerian government to identify real offenders.”
The Miyetti Allah leader concluded by warning that unilateral foreign sanctions without due process could undermine local peacebuilding efforts, escalate hostilities, and undo years of reconciliation work between pastoralists and farmers across the country.
