"MACBAN's National Chairman Ngelzarma Defends Herders and Farmers Amid Ongoing Crisis, Dismisses Criminal Organization Claims"

Table of Contents

• Dismissal of Claims
• Understanding Internal Workings
• Criminal Activities
• Other Pastoralist Groups
• Dynamics of the Crisis
• Engagements with Organizations
• Losses to Banditry

The National President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), Baba Othman Ngelzarma, on Tuesday rejected allegations that the organization is a criminal entity.

Ngelzarma clarified that those labeling MACBAN as a terrorist organization do not fully grasp the internal structure of the group.

During an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, he pointed out that violent herders are not affiliated with MACBAN, emphasizing that there are various splinter groups associated with Miyetti Allah.

He stated: “MACBAN does not engage in any criminal activities; we are not a criminal organization. We are a legitimate association, officially registered in 1986 by General John Shagaya, who was the Minister of Internal Affairs at the time, a Christian from Plateau State.”

“His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for MACBAN. Therefore, we do not represent any criminal activities in this country and we are not a criminal group.”

“It is important to note that MACBAN is not the sole rearing organization in the country; there are around 30 pastoralist groups, each with its own members. However, because MACBAN is well-organized and the only democratic pastoralist group in the nation, many pastoralists identify with it, leading to the misconception that all pastoralists are part of MACBAN.”

“Understanding the dynamics of this crisis is essential before proposing a solution, as pastoralists in the country rely on pastoralism for their survival.”

“They lack education on how to modernize their practices, so they continue to operate in a manner that ensures the survival of their livestock.”

“Anyone attempting to label MACBAN as a criminal group does not comprehend the realities of MACBAN. We have collaborated with USAID for many years and have engaged with Search for Common Ground on humanitarian dialogues aimed at mitigating conflicts with farmers and modernizing production systems.”

“This year alone, we have lost about eight of our state chairmen to banditry. A state chairman in Kwara was killed in his home, and another chairman in Katsina was assassinated in his residence, with his wife and daughter abducted.”

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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