Framing us as a terrorist organisation misguided – Miyetti Allah President, Ngelzarma
Naija News • Feb 22
**The Misconception Surrounding Miyetti Allah: A Conversation with Baba Ngelzarma**
As the president of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Baba Ngelzarma has been at the forefront of addressing the misconceptions surrounding the organization. In this exclusive interview, he sheds light on the goals and objectives of MACBAN, and why it has been unfairly maligned by some quarters.
**A Brief History of MACBAN**
Established in 1986, MACBAN is a non-religious, non-violent, and non-tribal organization with a clear mandate to protect the interests of cattle breeders across Nigeria. The association has undergone a series of transformations over the years, with a primary focus on promoting the modernization of the livestock sector. By fostering education among its members, MACBAN aims to address the age-old conflicts between farmers and herders, and ensure peaceful coexistence.
**Membership Criteria**
To join MACBAN, one must meet certain criteria. Prospective members must have their profiles verified by their local government council, which confirms their status as cattle breeders and clears them of any criminal record. Additional background checks are also conducted to ensure that members are genuine cattle breeders.
**The Misconception of Violence**
Despite its noble objectives and rigorous membership screening process, MACBAN has been unfairly associated with violence. This misconception stems from a lack of understanding of the organization's true nature and the fact that it is the oldest and most well-known pastoralist group in Nigeria. However, there are numerous other pastoralist groups, numbering between 25 and 30, which are not affiliated with MACBAN. The association has consistently denied any involvement in violent activities, and has even condemned such acts.
**The proposed US Sanctions**
The recent proposal by a US lawmaker, Riley Moore, to impose sanctions on MACBAN has come as a surprise to the association. Ngelzarma insists that MACBAN is not an armed group and has never supported, aided, or funded any criminal activity. The association has consistently condemned crime and has been a victim of cattle rustling and kidnapping on numerous occasions. Records of these incidents are available, and the association is eager to set the record straight.
In conclusion, the misconceptions surrounding MACBAN are a testament to the need for a better understanding of the organization's goals and objectives. As the president of MACBAN, Baba Ngelzarma is committed