The President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Baba Ngelzarma, speaks with ISMAEEL UTHMAN on the alleged involvement of members of the association in violent crimes that compelled a US congressman, Riley Moore, to seek sanctions on the group
What is the purpose of your association?
The organisation was registered in 1986. It is a non-religious, non-violent and non-tribal organisation established to protect the interests of cattle breeders, irrespective of where they come from. Once they are cattle breeders and desire to take up our membership, they undergo due scrutiny. Secondly, it was established to help develop the livestock sector towards modernisation. It is also aimed at mitigating conflict between farmers and herders, ensuring peace-building so that they can coexist peacefully. The group also ensures the availability of grazing areas and access to veterinary services for cattle breeders in the country. We also place strong emphasis on educating our members. Without education, they cannot modernise the livestock production system. So, education is one of our core priorities.
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What are the criteria for joining the association?
You have to come through your local government. The local government council must certify that, as a cattle breeder, you do not have a criminal record. Then we conduct additional background checks to ensure that you are a practising cattle breeder.
But in spite of all these ideals and processes, members of your association have allegedly been identified with violence across the country. Why is this so?
