Miyetti Allah fires back at US sanctions move, denies any link to te£rrorism and demands dialogue.

Miyetti Allah fires back at US sanctions move, denies any link to terrorism and demands dialogue.

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has denied any involvement in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping or cattle rustling, following a proposed bill in the United States seeking sanctions against certain individuals and groups in Nigeria.

The proposed US legislation recommends visa bans and asset freezes on individuals or entities accused of severe violations of religious freedom. Those reportedly listed include Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano and leader of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, MACBAN, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and groups described as Fulani ethnic nomad militias in Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Baba Ngelzarma, national president of MACBAN, said the association is deeply concerned about attempts to link it with terrorism and violent crimes.

He stated that MACBAN is a lawful organisation that represents the interests of cattle breeders across Nigeria and has no role in criminal activities.

Ngelzarma said while the association respects the sovereign right of the United States to debate issues relating to religious freedom and human rights, it believes the narratives connecting MACBAN to terrorism are unfair and misleading.
He called for diplomatic engagement and dialogue to clarify the issues and prevent what he described as wrongful labelling of the group.

The development comes amid growing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security challenges and rising concerns over violence in different parts of the country.