A recent resolution by the United States House of Representatives has imposed sanctions on the Miyetti Allah groups due to their alleged involvement in killings and human rights violations across Nigeria. The move has been welcomed by the Forum of Concerned Nigerians (FCN), who believe it vindicates former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, for his long-standing warnings against the activities of violent herder groups.
The US House of Representatives introduced a resolution, H. Res. 860, which urges the US Departments of State and Treasury to impose targeted sanctions on individuals and organizations, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore. The resolution calls for sanctions against those responsible for “egregious violations of religious freedom” and “orchestrated attacks” on communities, particularly in Benue and Plateau States.
The FCN has stated that the development is a “clear vindication” of former Governor Ortom, who had consistently warned against the activities of violent herder groups and the failure of the previous administration to act. Ortom had persistently called on the Federal Government to arrest and prosecute leaders of Miyetti Allah and other violent organizations, but his appeals were ignored by the Buhari administration.
The group has commended Ortom for his “courage and foresight” in enacting the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, which aims to restore peace and order in Benue communities. The FCN has also urged the current administration to revisit reports and intelligence previously ignored on the activities of violent herders and their sponsors, and to take decisive action against those responsible for human rights violations.
The US resolution has recommended that Fulani militant groups be included on the Entities of Particular Concern List under the International Religious Freedom Act, signaling a tougher stance against terrorism and religious persecution. The FCN has called on the US government to speed up the implementation of visa bans, asset freezes, and other punitive measures under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and related frameworks.
The development has significant implications for Nigeria, where human rights violations and violent attacks have been a long-standing issue. The FCN believes that the US resolution is a crucial step towards holding those responsible accountable and promoting justice for the countless victims of herdsmen attacks. The group has commended the US Congress for “standing on the side of truth and justice” and amplifying the voices of oppressed communities that have suffered in silence for too long.