The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has told its members to stay away from carrying matches, knives, sticks, or similar items during Sallah celebrations and public outings.
The directive came from the association’s president, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, in a Thursday, 19th of March, 2026, statement released in Abuja to mark the end of Ramadan and the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
He urged members, especially young people, to act with caution and avoid any behaviour that could trigger clashes with other citizens or security operatives 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 association stressed that the celebration should reflect calm, discipline, and respect for the law.
It also raised concern over the start of the rainy season, which signals the return of farming activities in many parts of the country.
“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 said peaceful relations between herders, farmers, and host communities remain key to stability and the survival of livestock business in Nigeria.
He noted that respect for farmland boundaries, local rules, and traditional dispute resolution systems must guide pastoralists at all times.
The MACBAN president also addressed concerns about the association’s role, describing it as a professional body focused on livestock production and pastoral welfare.
“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.
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He made it clear that the group does not take part in political matters, whether local or international.
“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 added that the association remains focused on improving livestock production, protecting pastoral livelihoods, and supporting the country’s economy.
He also reaffirmed its readiness to partner with government agencies, farmers, civil groups, and development organisations to grow the livestock sector and boost food supply.
“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.