By Lawrence Zongo
Fulani Christians in Nigeria have distanced themselves from Miyetti Allah, a Fulani socio-political group accused by critics of involvement in terrorism and the persecution of Christians, following a series of attacks in which suspected Fulani militants killed at least 16 Christians in March in Plateau State, including a 12-year-old Christian Fulani boy in the Miango District of Bassa Local Government Area.
Speaking during a gathering in Miango, the chairman of the Fulani Christian Association of Nigeria (FCAN), Rev. Buba Aliyu, said Fulani Christians should not be identified with Miyetti Allah or violent actors who claim to represent the Fulani ethnic group.
“The name Miyetti Allah means ‘Thank God,’” Aliyu said. “But when people promote killing and violence, it shows they do not know God.”
Aliyu explained that the Fulani Christian Association represents Christian members of the Fulani ethnic group, similar to how the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) represents Christians nationally. Miyetti Allah, he said, claims to represent Muslim Fulani interests but does not speak for Fulani Christians.
Calls to Separate Fulani Identity from Violence
Aliyu urged Nigerians not to stereotype all Fulani people as terrorists or members of extremist groups. According to him, those involved in violence represent only a fraction of the Fulani population.
“Many people today say the Fulani are terrorists or members of Boko Haram,” he said. “But the Fulani involved in such atrocities do not even reach a quarter or half of the many good Fulani who live peacefully.”
He described the traditional Fulani identity as one associated with humility and peaceful coexistence and called on those involved in crimes to abandon violence.
Drawing from the Bible, Aliyu cited Revelation 21:8, which states that those who continue in sinful acts, including murder, will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Miango Gathering and Message to Christians
Aliyu spoke during the Miango Women Fellowship conference of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) on March 8, where he appeared alongside other Christian leaders and Fulani converts, including Rev. Jibir Dabo of COCIN, Rev. Suleiman Modibo, and Lawal Usman, a public relations officer of the association.
He told the audience that members of the Fulani Christian Association came to encourage the community following recent violence in the Miango area.
“We are here to greet you, sympathize with you, and encourage one another,” he said.
Aliyu also referred to the death of a child related to Isa Pate, which occurred during recent attacks in the community. He said the Fulani Christian Association condemns the violence affecting Miango.
Fulani Christian Association Originated in Miango
Aliyu said the Fulani Christian Association began in Miango in 1972 and has since expanded internationally with branches in Central Africa, Cameroon, and China.
“Our association started here,” he said, noting that security concerns have forced many meetings to be held in Miango town and the nearby city of Jos.
Aliyu also said he has received death threats because of his work among Fulani Christians.
“On several occasions, I have received threats saying, ‘You are just a walking corpse; your time is finished,’” he said. “But by the grace of God I am still alive.”
U.S. Legislative Attention on Miyetti Allah
The violence involving suspected Fulani militants has also drawn attention internationally. In the United States, Rep. Christopher Smith introduced legislation naming the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as entities implicated in human rights abuses.
The bill proposes sanctions on members of the groups, including visa restrictions and asset freezes.
Presenting the bill, Smith commended U.S. President Donald Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over religious freedom violations.
“President Donald J. Trump acted appropriately and decisively to redesignate Nigeria as a CPC and hold the Nigerian government accountable for its complicity in religious persecution by radical Islamists such as Boko Haram and Fulani terrorists,” Smith said.
Continuing Christian Presence
During his address in Miango, Aliyu encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith despite the violence.
Quoting Revelation 5:9-10, he said the Christian message continues to spread among people of every tribe and nation.
“If killing Jesus did not stop the Gospel from spreading, killing Christians will not stop the Gospel of Christ from spreading across nations,” he said.
Aliyu called on Christians in Miango and Fulani believers across Nigeria to continue preaching the Gospel and supporting one another. He also asked for prayers and encouragement for the Fulani Christian Association as it continues its work among Fulani communities.
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