Plateau Fulani Christians deny links to Miyetti Allah, MACBAN
Fulani Christian Association of Nigeria Denies Links to Designated Terrorist Groups
The Fulani Christian Association of Nigeria (FCAN) has emphatically denied any connections with the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), both recently classified as terrorist organizations by the United States Congress.
Rev. Buba Aliyu, chairman of FCAN, addressed the issue during a symposium organized by the International Christian Concern and local Christian leaders in Miango, located in Plateau State’s Bassa Local Government Area. He stated that although FCAN members belong to the Fulani ethnic group, they have distanced themselves from these associations due to their alleged support for violent acts against local communities.
“Fulani Christians in Nigeria are neither members of Miyetti Allah nor MACBAN and should not be labeled as such,” Rev. Aliyu asserted. He clarified that the Fulani Christian community is distinct within the broader Fulani population and does not condone violence.
“The Fulani Christian Association of Nigeria is a fellowship of Fulani believers in Christ. We do not support violence. Our faith teaches us peace and respect for human life,” he affirmed.
Rev. Aliyu criticized the two organizations for denying responsibility for violent incidents, often attributing them to self-defense and farmer-herder conflicts. He condemned armed groups linked to radicalized Fulani militants, emphasizing that their actions contribute to a negative perception of all Fulani individuals as criminals.
He also reported receiving threats related to his advocacy among Fulani Christians. “On several occasions, I have received messages telling me that I am a walking corpse and that my time is finished. But by the help of God, I am still alive and continuing the work,” he said, highlighting FCAN’s role in providing support for Fulani who have converted to Christianity.
“There are many among the Fulani people who live peacefully. Those involved in crimes do not represent the entire community,” he said, urging Nigerians to differentiate between criminal groups and innocent members of the Fulani ethnic background.
