The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has warned its members against carrying matches, knives, sticks, or any similar objects during Sallah celebrations and public gatherings.
The caution was issued by the association’s President, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, in a statement released on Thursday in Abuja to mark the end of Ramadan and the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Othman-Ngelzarma also advised members, particularly youths, to avoid any actions that could lead to confrontation or misunderstanding with other citizens or security agencies during the festive period.
“As we celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr (Sallah), MACBAN calls on all its members, pastoral communities, and indeed all Nigerians to mark the celebration in a peaceful, responsible, and law-abiding manner.
“The Sallah festival is a time for gratitude to Allah, reconciliation among communities, and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood.
”Members are specifically cautioned against carrying or displaying any objects that could be perceived as weapons, including matches, knives, sticks, or any similar items, during Sallah festivities or public gatherings.”
The pastoralist leader stressed that Sallah celebrations should be conducted with dignity, restraint, and full respect for the laws of the land.
He also drew attention to the onset of the rainy season, which coincides with increased farming activities across many parts of the country, urging herders to exercise caution.
“The Association also wishes to draw the attention of its members to the onset of the rainy season across many parts of Nigeria.
“This period coincides with the beginning of widespread farming activities. MACBAN therefore strongly urges all pastoralists to exercise utmost caution in their herding practices.
“Herdsmen must ensure that animals are not grazed through cultivated or cropped farmlands as such actions often lead to avoidable disputes with farming communities, ” he said.
Othman-Ngelzarma emphasized that peaceful coexistence between pastoralists, farmers, and host communities is essential for national harmony and sustainable livestock production.
According to him, respect for farmlands, local regulations, and traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms must guide the conduct of all pastoralists.
He also clarified the role of the association, stating that MACBAN is a professional body focused on improving livestock production, supporting pastoral livelihoods, and contributing to Nigeria’s food security.
“Our focus remains the welfare of pastoral communities, the modernisation of livestock production, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence throughout the country, ” he said.
He noted that the association is not involved in domestic or international political matters, including ongoing geopolitical tensions.
“Recent developments in some gulf states and other international regions are matters outside the mandate and interest of our organisation.
“Therefore, MACBAN does not support, endorse, or condone any statements, comments, or public positions made by individuals claiming to speak on behalf of the association regarding such international issues.
“Any member making such statements does so strictly in their personal capacity and not on behalf of MACBAN, ” Othman-Ngelzarma.
He reiterated the association’s commitment to working with government agencies, farming communities, civil society, and development partners to strengthen the livestock sector and improve national food security.
“Equally important is our unwavering commitment to national unity, peace, and stability.
“Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and pastoralists remain an integral part of the country’s social and economic fabric.
“We will continue to promote dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among all communities, ” Othman-Ngelzarma added.
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