The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has condemned the recent meeting between the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard M. Mills Jr., and leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), which represents Fulani herdsmen.
In a press statement, MASSOB expressed deep concern about the implications of this diplomatic engagement for Nigeria’s social cohesion and the ongoing ethnic tensions within the country.
Comrade Uchenna Madu, the leader of MASSOB, stated, “The meeting constitutes a troubling endorsement of the Fulani herdsmen, who have been widely involved in mass killings, violent conflicts, and land snatching across Nigeria.”
He further emphasised that such an engagement could be interpreted as a legitimisation of the illegal actions perpetrated by these groups, which have resulted in suffering and displacement for numerous communities, particularly in the Middle Belt region.
MASSOB highlighted the potential threat this meeting poses to the safety and security of Igbo communities and other ethnic groups that have been victims of violence associated with Fulani herdsmen.
“We view this meeting as a diplomatic support for the Fulani agenda of illegal occupation of indigenous citizens’ land,” Madu added, warning that it could further marginalise other ethnic groups and escalate existing grievances.
The organisation cautioned that such interactions may exacerbate ethnic tensions in a nation already struggling with divisions and conflict.
“Diplomatic engagements like these can send a message that certain groups are favoured over others, increasing the likelihood of violence and unrest among competing factions,” Madu stated.
In light of these concerns, MASSOB has called for a reassessment of diplomatic strategies that prioritise dialogue with groups implicated in violence against innocent civilians.
“We advocate for a balanced approach that fosters peace and unity among all ethnic indigenous communities,” Madu concluded.
