The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) on Wednesday, February 11, condemned the United States (US) congress for tagging the group as a terrorist organisation, and said it will seek diplomatic intervention from the Federal Government (FG).
The association’s president, Baba Othman, described the US Congress designation as unfair and baseless, stressing that MACBAN has operated in Nigeria for over 42 years without involvement in criminal or terrorist activities.
“We have been the sole umbrella body for all herders in Nigeria, irrespective of religion, political, ethnic, and social differences.
“As long as you are a herder and registered with us, we care and protect your interests.
“For the 42 years that we have operated in Nigeria, we have not been seen or linked to any terrorist organisation or people involved in criminal activities or sponsorship.
“So it’s surprising to us that the US government could take such an unfair decision on an innocent and peace-loving organisation like MACBAN,” he said.
Rather than directly engaging with the US government, MACBAN plans to approach the federal government of Nigeria for diplomatic intervention and action to reverse the designation.
“We cannot join issues with the US government, but the best thing for us is to approach the federal government under whom we have been operating and paying all necessary taxes in the past 42 years.
“It’s the duty of the federal government to protect its citizens and their businesses from external attacks and exploitation, and we are asking for that,” he stated.
The US congress on Wednesday introduced a bill seeking to impose a visa ban and freeze assets belonging to former Kano state governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, MACBAN, and two others, for their roles in the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
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