Following the US Congress’s recent designation of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) as terrorist organizations, the Fulani Christian Association of Nigeria (FCAN) has denied any connection to either organization.
According to Naija News, FCAN Chairman Buba Aliyu clarified the matter while speaking to representatives of International Christian Concern and other Christian leaders at a symposium in Miango, which is situated in the Bassa Local Government Area.
Despite belonging to the Fulani ethnic group, Aliyu claimed that members of the association had long distanced themselves from the two organizations because of their purported backing for armed groups engaged in community attacks.
He charged the organizations of aiding bandits who raid and murder native people and take over their territories in a number of nearby areas.
According to Aliyu, Fulani Christians in Nigeria should not be referred to as members of MACBAN or Miyetti Allah.
He claims that Fulani Christians should not be associated with groups or individuals that encourage violence since they constitute a separate religious group within the larger Fulani ethnic community.
A fellowship of Fulani believers in Christ is the Fulani Christian Association of Nigeria. We oppose violence and are not affiliated with MACBAN or Miyetti Allah. “Peace and respect for human life are teachings of our faith,” he stated.
The preacher also denounced the actions of armed gangs operating in rural Plateau State towns that were purportedly connected to radicalized Fulani terrorists.
He claimed that the belief that all Fulani people are criminals or bandits has grown as a result of the activities of these groups.
Additionally, Aliyu accused the two organizations of routinely downplaying attacks by suspected herdsmen, characterizing them as conflicts between farmers and herders or acts of self-defense.
Aliyu revealed that he had received multiple threats from Fulani Christians regarding his activities.
He stated, “I have received messages on multiple occasions stating that I am a walking corpse and that my time is finished.”
However, I am still alive and carrying on the work thanks to God’s assistance.
Aliyu emphasized that the purpose of FCAN is to promote and foster camaraderie among Fulani individuals who have converted to Christianity.
He advised Nigerians to refrain from generalizing about the Fulani ethnic group based on the behavior of criminal groups.
Many Fulani people lead tranquil lives. The community as a whole is not represented by those who commit crimes, he continued.
