US Lawmakers Urge Sanctions on Miyetti Allah Over Alleged Religious Freedom Violations

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

The United States House of Representatives has called on the Departments of State and Treasury to impose targeted sanctions on individuals and organisations accused of violating religious freedom in Nigeria, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

The resolution, sponsored by Representatives Bill Huizenga and Chris Smith, urges Washington to apply visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Act against those implicated in attacks on religious groups, particularly Christians.

The two lawmakers said the move aims to hold perpetrators accountable for “egregious violations of religious freedom” and to press the Nigerian government to protect all citizens regardless of faith.

Both Miyetti Allah groups, which represent Fulani pastoralists, have previously denied involvement in violence, saying they are being unfairly targeted.

Nigeria’s government has consistently rejected US claims of religious persecution, insisting that ongoing insecurity affects communities of all faiths.