Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has cautioned its members to avoid carrying knives, machetes, sticks, matches, or any object that could be seen as a weapon during Eid‑el‑Fitr celebrations and public gatherings across the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that the association’s warning was issued in a statement on Thursday marking the end of Ramadan and the Sallah festivities.
In the statement, MACBAN President Baba Othman‑Ngelzarma emphasised that the festival — a time for gratitude, reconciliation, and community harmony — should be celebrated in a peaceful, responsible, and law‑abiding manner. He specifically urged youths and all members of the pastoral community to steer clear of actions that might lead to misunderstandings or confrontations with fellow citizens or security agencies.
The warning highlights that displaying or carrying objects perceived as weapons during public celebrations could cause fear or trigger unnecessary conflict. Othman‑Ngelzarma said that observing the law and respecting the rights and safety of others should be a priority as Nigerians mark the Sallah festivities.
In addition to the call for peaceful celebration, the MACBAN leader also reminded pastoralists about safe herding practices. With the onset of the rainy season, he urged herders to avoid grazing animals through cultivated farmlands to prevent preventable disputes with farming communities.
Othman‑Ngelzarma reiterated that MACBAN’s core mission remains the welfare of pastoral communities, the modernisation of livestock production, and peaceful coexistence with all Nigerians. He stressed that the association is not involved in domestic or international political matters and urged members not to make statements on behalf of the organisation about such issues.
The association’s president reaffirmed MACBAN’s commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and national unity, saying that harmony among diverse communities is essential for Nigeria’s stability and food security.
