The Yoruba Union (Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá) has praised the U.S. Congress for introducing a bill that seeks to ban Fulani herders and their associations — including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore — alongside certain Nigerian government officials allegedly linked to violent attacks across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Union’s Convener, Olusola Badero, through its Home Director, Princess Balogun, the group described the move as “a historic step toward justice and accountability” for victims of herders’ violence in the South-West and beyond.
The Union lamented years of inaction from the international community despite multiple appeals to the United Nations and European Union, stressing that countless lives and farmlands have been lost to herders’ attacks in Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Kwara, and Kogi States.
> “For too long, Yoruba communities have endured killings, kidnappings, rapes, and destruction of farmland. Entire villages have been wiped out while survivors struggle to rebuild their lives,” the statement read.
The group accused the Nigerian government of complicity, alleging that instead of confronting the perpetrators, authorities have chosen to negotiate with them.
> “The same government that should protect its citizens now sits at the table with terrorists, collects ransoms, and reintegrates them under the guise of rehabilitation,” it said.
The Yoruba Union urged the U.S. Congress to extend its proposed ban by imposing sanctions on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his cabinet members, lawmakers, and security chiefs, including Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged corruption, human rights abuses, and failure to protect citizens.
It also called for the suspension of U.S. aid to Nigeria, claiming such assistance has not improved citizens’ welfare.
> “President Tinubu’s government has worsened poverty and insecurity through anti-people economic policies. Sanctions are necessary to hold those in power accountable,” the Union added.
The statement further urged Washington to revoke visas of Nigerian officials and their families, saying they enjoy foreign privileges while neglecting citizens at home.
The group appealed to the U.S. Congress to compel Nigeria to compensate victims of herders’ violence and end the controversial reintegration of “repentant terrorists,” which it described as a “threat to national security and peace.”
