Forum Welcomes US sanctions move on Miyetti Allah, hails former Governor
Forum Welcomes US sanctions move on Miyetti Allah, hails former Governor
The Forum of Concerned Nigerians (FCN) has applauded the recent move by the United States House of Representatives to impose sanctions on the Miyetti Allah groups over alleged involvement in killings and human rights abuses across Nigeria, describing the development as a “vindication” of former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.
The U.S. House of Representatives, in a resolution introduced before the 119th Congress by Rep. Christopher Smith and co-sponsored by Rep. Paul Huizenga, urged the Departments of State and Treasury to impose targeted sanctions on individuals and organisations, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
The resolution, tagged H. Res. 860, called for sanctions against those responsible for “egregious violations of religious freedom” and “orchestrated attacks” on communities, particularly in Benue and Plateau States.
It also recommended that Fulani militant groups be listed as Entities of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act, a move that signals a tougher U.S. stance against terrorism and religious persecution.
In a statement made available to journalists, the FCN said the resolution was a “clear vindication” of former Governor Ortom, who had consistently warned against the activities of violent herder groups and the inaction of the previous administration.
“History has once again vindicated Chief Samuel Ortom. For years, he cried out against the killings and displacement of innocent people by armed herdsmen, yet he was mocked and vilified. Today, the international community has seen the truth he spoke,” the group said.
The forum recalled that during Ortom’s tenure from 2015 to 2023, he persistently urged the Federal Government to arrest and prosecute leaders of Miyetti Allah and other violent organisations, such as the Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM), for their alleged roles in attacks on farming communities.
It lamented that the Buhari administration ignored Ortom’s appeals and instead turned him into a political target, denying Benue State critical federal support.
The FCN commended Ortom for his “courage and foresight” in enacting the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, describing it as a landmark policy that helped restore peace and order in affected communities.
“Governor Ortom demonstrated true patriotism by defending justice and human life, even when he was isolated and attacked politically. The U.S. resolution has now validated his position,” the statement added.
The group urged the Tinubu administration to take a cue from the U.S. Congress by revisiting previously ignored intelligence and reports on the activities of violent herders and their sponsors.
“Justice for the countless victims of herdsmen attacks in Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Taraba, and other states must no longer be delayed or denied,” the group said.
It also called on the U.S. government to expedite the implementation of visa bans, asset freezes, and other punitive measures under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and related frameworks.
The FCN concluded by commending the U.S. 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.
“The time has come for Nigeria and the global community to act decisively against those who promote bloodshed under any guise,” the group stated.
