The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has criticised a move by the United States Congress to designate the association as a terrorist organisation through a proposed bill.
MACBAN National President, Baba Usman Ngelzarma, made the association’s position known at a press conference in Abuja, where he described the move as unjust and damaging to the integrity of a duly registered national body.
Ngelzarma rejected the proposed designation, stating that it is injurious to the reputation of an organisation legally recognised by the Federal Government of Nigeria as a livestock producers’ association operating within the livestock value chain.
He stressed that MACBAN does not support, condone, harbour, finance or protect any form of criminality, extremism or violence.
According to him, the association remains committed to promoting peaceful coexistence and lawful conduct among its members.
The MACBAN president warned that such an action by the US Congress could undermine ongoing efforts to foster peace and unity in Nigeria.
He maintained that the association has never operated as an armed group or violent organisation.
Ngelzarma said MACBAN has consistently condemned banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping, terrorism and other forms of criminality across the country, and has pledged full cooperation with Nigerian security agencies in tackling insecurity.
He added that the association has written to key stakeholders, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the President of the Senate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeking diplomatic engagement with the American government over the matter.
MACBAN called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to protect legitimate Nigerian institutions from what it described as unjust international designation, warning that such a move could unfairly stigmatise law-abiding citizens involved in livestock production and harm the sector’s economic contributions.
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