By SALISU SANI-IDRIS

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has cautioned its members against carrying matches, knives, sticks, or any similar object, during Sallah festivities or public gatherings.

Its President, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, issued the warning in a statement to mark the completion of Ramadan and Eid-el-Fitr Celebration, on Thursday in Abuja.

Othman-Ngelzarma also advised all members of the association, particularly youths, to avoid actions that may lead to confrontation or misunderstanding with fellow citizens or security agencies during the 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 insisted that sallah celebrations must be conducted with dignity, restraint, and full respect for the laws of the land.

“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 reminded pastoralists that peaceful coexistence with farmers and host communities remains essential to national harmony and to the sustainability of livestock production.

According to him, respect for farmlands, local regulations, and traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms must remain a guiding principle for all pastoralists.

“MACBAN also wishes to use this opportunity to clarify an important issue regarding the role and identity of the association.

“MACBAN is a professional livestock-producing organisation, dedicated to advancing pastoral livelihoods, improving livestock productivity, 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 stated that the association was not involved in domestic or international political matters, including ongoing conflicts or geopolitical tensions in other parts of the world.

“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 said that MACBAN remains firmly committed to its core mandate of promoting responsible livestock production, protecting pastoral livelihoods, and contributing positively to the Nigerian economy.

He restated MACBAN commitment to continue to work with government institutions, farming communities, civil society, and development partners to strengthen the livestock sector and enhance 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. (NAN)

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