Ortom has been vindicated – Concerned Nigerians hail U.S. move to sanction Miyetti Allah

A group under the aegis of the Forum of Concerned Nigerians (FCN) has commended the recent move by the United States House of Representatives to impose sanctions on Miyetti Allah groups over alleged involvement in killings and human rights abuses across Nigeria, describing the development as a vindication of former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.

The U.S. House of Representatives, in a resolution introduced before the 119th Congress by Rep. Christopher Smith and co-sponsored by Rep. Paul Huizenga, urged the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury to impose targeted sanctions on individuals and organizations — including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

The resolution, H. Res. 860, called for punitive measures against those responsible for “egregious violations of religious freedom” and “orchestrated attacks” on communities, particularly in Benue and Plateau States. It also recommended that Fulani militant groups be listed among the Entities of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act, marking a stronger U.S. stance against terrorism and religious persecution in Nigeria.

In a statement made available to journalists, FCN said the resolution was a “clear vindication” of Ortom, who had long warned against violent herders and accused the previous administration of neglecting the crisis.

“History has once again vindicated Chief Samuel Ortom. For years, he cried out against the killings and displacement of innocent people by armed herdsmen, yet he was mocked and vilified. Today, the international community has seen the truth he spoke,” the group stated.

The forum recalled that during his tenure from 2015 to 2023, Ortom repeatedly urged the Federal Government to arrest and prosecute leaders of Miyetti Allah and other violent organizations such as the Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM) for their alleged roles in coordinated attacks on farming communities.

According to FCN, the Buhari administration ignored Ortom’s calls and instead turned him into a political target, depriving Benue State of key federal support.

The group lauded Ortom’s “courage and foresight” in enacting the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, describing it as a landmark policy aimed at restoring peace and security in Benue communities.

“Governor Ortom demonstrated true patriotism by defending justice and human life, even when he stood alone. The U.S. resolution has now validated his position,” the statement added.

The FCN urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take a cue from the U.S. Congress by revisiting intelligence and reports previously ignored regarding the activities of violent herder groups and their sponsors.

“Justice for the countless victims of herdsmen attacks in Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Taraba, and other states must no longer be delayed or denied,” it said.

The group further called on the U.S. government to expedite the implementation of visa bans, asset freezes, and other punitive actions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and related frameworks.

Concluding, the forum commended the U.S. Congress for “standing on the side of truth and justice” and amplifying the voices of oppressed communities that have suffered in silence.

“The time has come for Nigeria and the international community to act decisively against those who promote bloodshed under any guise,” FCN declared.