The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has raised concerns over the alleged poisoning of their cows by criminal elements in Agatu Local Government Area.
MACBAN’s state chairman, Risku Muhammed, claimed that certain individuals in the area have been deliberately targeting their livestock, resulting in the recent deaths of 20 cows.
Speaking to our correspondent on Sunday, Muhammed recounted the latest incident, which took place on Saturday in Ucha village. He alleged that a farmer, identified as Bawa Oneh, laced rice chaff with poison and invited a herder to graze his cows on it.
“I got a report from my members in Agatu LGA that a criminal who had laced rice chaff with poison invited one of our members to come and graze his cows.
“Unfortunately, 13 cows died instantly while seven are being treated by a veterinary doctor,” Muhammed lamented.
He further accused the criminals of rustling 200 cows just days earlier, adding that security operatives were able to intervene in time, leading to the arrest of one suspect while others escaped.
The MACBAN chairman voiced concern over the persistent attacks on herders in Agatu, citing several communities—Olegodege, Utigologwu, Egwuma, Akele, and Okwtanobe—as locations where similar incidents have taken place. However, he praised Agatu LGA Chairman, Melvin James, for his swift response to the crisis.
“The local government chairman, along with some Non-Governmental Organizations working in the area, has several times paid for cows killed by these criminals,” Muhammed stated.
Confirming the incident, Agatu LGA Chairman, Melvin James, said that the council had received MACBAN’s complaints and had already begun investigations.
“We have received complaints from Miyetti Allah, and an investigation is ongoing. Agatu has been enjoying peace, and this is due to the peace committee set up.
“On a daily basis, we review the peace process,” James said.
While acknowledging the progress made in maintaining peace, he warned that some criminal elements were still trying to instigate violence.
“It’s unfortunate that some criminal elements are bent on instigating crisis and destroying the peace process, but the government will not fold its arms and allow that to happen,” he added.
James called on the state government to deploy more security operatives to Agatu to further strengthen the existing peace efforts.
Police confirm arrest of suspect
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the incident, stating that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the alleged poisoning of cows.
State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, said on Sunday, “I received a briefing this morning about dead cows reportedly poisoned.
“An investigation is ongoing, and a suspect has been arrested.”
She further noted that a peace committee is actively working to maintain stability in Agatu, a region with a history of frequent clashes between herders and farmers.
