MACBAN rejects US designation as terrorist group

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has strongly rejected the designation of the association as a terrorist organisation by the United States Congress.

President of the association Baba Othman told Daily Sun on Wednesday that it does not know how the US government arrived at the decision, but that such a terrorist tag is unacceptable to the body.

He said: “I read the report earlier in the day, and was surprised to see such unfair treatment from the US lawmakers. That description of a terrorist organisation is totally strange to us. MACBAN is an organisation that has been in existence in Nigeria for the past 42 years, and we have operated legitimately over the years without involvement in crime or sponsoring any criminal/terrorist organisation.

“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 interest. For the years (42) 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 unfair decision on an innocent and peace-loving organisation like MACBAN.”

He, however, said the association will take up the matter with the Federal Government, seeking diplomatic protection and action to reverse the decision of the US Congress. “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 tax 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. So, that’s the next step that we will take, because the decision of the US Congress to designate the association as a terrorist association does not align with us. This will, definitely, have a devastating effect on our reputation and businesses.”

The US Congress, on Wednesday, proposed sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes against former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and members of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) over what the lawmakers described as their alleged roles in the persecution and massacre of Christians in northern Nigeria.

The US lawmakers reportedly want to compel President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take stronger action against the targeted killings of Christians in parts of the country.

The lawmakers urged the Department of State and the Department of the Treasury to effectively impose targeted sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. The targeted sanctions could include visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and entities responsible for severe religious violations in Nigeria.