Writing By Bashir M; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
The National Association of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has denied any involvement in criminal activities in Nigeria, as alleged in a bill before the United States Congress.
National President of the Association, Baba Usman Ngelzarma, stated this during a press conference on the reported move by the US Congress to impose visa restrictions and freeze the association’s accounts.
Ngelzarma emphasized that MACBAN does not support, condone, harbour, finance, or protect any form of criminality, extremism, or violence in the country.
He said the association remains committed to promoting peaceful coexistence and lawful conduct among its members.
The National president described the allegation as unfounded and rumours being peddled by some disgruntled elements to disrupt the unity and peaceful co-existence of Nigerians.
He said as far as MACBAN is concerned this kind of action by the US congress would disrupt the efforts being made to ensure peace and unity, adding that MACBAN has never been an armed group or violent organisation.
He said MACBAN has been a socio-cultural, economic, and peace-centric organisation contrary to what is being alleged and included in the US congress bill HR 860, MACBAN is not a militia and not a religious or political movement.
Baba Ngalzarma assured that MACBAN has condemned in strong terms the activities of banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping, terrorism and any criminality in Nigeria.
The National president explained that the Association is duly registered by Federal Government of Nigeria as livestock producers’ organization and other actors along the livestock value chain.
“The Association was registered in 1986 as livestock producer organization by General John Nanzip Shagaya, who incidentally was a Christian from Plateau State, and Since establishment, we have been operating within the framework of Nigerian law under the oversight of relevant Ministries and agencies of Government”
Baba Ngalzarma said the main focus of MACBAN remains advocacy for pastoral development, modernization of livestock systems, and the peaceful coexistence of herders and farmers through dialogue and mutual respect.
He said MACBAN’s identity is founded on appreciation, service, and community development-not violence or confrontation and any attempt to associate it with any extremists or criminal elements misrepresents its core objectives and values.
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