MACBAN denies attacks on Christians, stressing inclusivity and cooperation with authorities amid US review for possible sanctions

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has rejected allegations linking it to attacks on Christians, insisting its mission is to protect the interests of herders.

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MACBAN National President Baba Othman Ngenzarma told BBC Hausa that the group is inclusive of all ethnicities and religions.

“In our organization, there is no religion or ethnic group that is excluded. We have Hausas, Yorubas, Igbos, and followers of both Islam and Christianity,” he said.

The remarks follow a recent listing by the United States of MACBAN among organisations under review for possible sanctions over alleged attacks on Christians.

Baba Othman expressed surprise at the listing.

“We do not carry weapons, and we have never sponsored any attacks. The government has never charged us with any crime,” he said.

U.S. lawmakers Riley Moore and Chris Smith presented a resolution citing a committee report that noted Christians in Nigeria “have long been subjected to discrimination and violence.”

The resolution urges sanctions on MACBAN, other groups, and some Nigerians, including travel bans and asset freezes.

Baba Othman stressed that the actions of individuals should not define the organisation.

“You may find wrongdoers among police officers or soldiers, but that does not mean the whole institution is corrupt,” he said.

He added that MACBAN is one of many herders’ associations in Nigeria, and not all herders or Fulani are members.

The MACBAN president also highlighted collaboration with Nigerian security agencies and foreign missions.

“We shared detailed information on members killed due to security challenges, including names, dates, and photos,” he said.

Baba Othman argued that herder-related conflicts in Nigeria are primarily driven by land disputes, not religion or ethnicity.

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“Disputes arise over land use, not faith or tribe,” he explained, citing desertification and competition for farmland as the main underlying causes.