The U.S. House of Representatives has asked the State and Treasury Departments to place sanctions on some people and groups, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, for allegedly violating religious freedom in Nigeria.

Lawmakers said the U.S. should take action against people and organisations responsible for attacks on Christians and other religious groups, especially in northern Nigeria. They want the U.S. government to use its religious freedom law to punish those involved through measures like travel bans or freezing their assets.

According to reports, the lawmakers believe that Nigeria’s government has not done enough to stop ongoing killings and attacks related to religion and ethnicity.

“The United States must act to protect religious freedom and hold offenders accountable,” the lawmakers reportedly said.

So far, neither the Nigerian government nor Miyetti Allah has officially responded. In the past, Miyetti Allah has denied involvement in violence, saying it represents peaceful herders who only want to protect their livelihoods.

A government official said, Nigeria respects religious freedom and will respond to any concerns if the U.S. begins formal talks on the proposed sanctions.

Nigeria has faced years of conflict between herders and farmers, often leading to loss of lives and property. Although the clashes are mostly over land and resources, they have sometimes taken on religious and ethnic tones.

The U.S. had previously listed Nigeria as a country of concern for religious freedom violations but later removed it. Now, these lawmakers want that status reconsidered.

However, If sanctions are approved, some individuals or groups in Nigeria could face travel restrictions or financial penalties.
Some analysts say this move could put pressure on the Nigerian government to do more to protect citizens and promote peace between different religious and ethnic groups.