Gladness Gideon
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State has raised alarm over alleged cattle poisoning and rustling in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA), claiming criminal elements are targeting their members’ livestock.
MACBAN State Chairman, Risku Muhammed, revealed that over 20 cows were poisoned at Ucha village on Saturday, while more than 200 were rustled last Thursday. Security operatives, however, intervened and apprehended one suspect, though others escaped.
According to Muhammed, a farmer in Ucha allegedly laced rice chaff with poison and invited a herder to graze his cattle on it. The incident resulted in the death of 13 cows, while seven others are undergoing veterinary treatment.
“I got a report that a criminal tricked one of our members into grazing on poisoned rice chaff, leading to the instant death of 13 cows,” Muhammed stated. He acknowledged the efforts of Agatu LGA Chairman, Melvin Ejeh, and some NGOs in compensating herders for previous losses.
The MACBAN chairman disclosed that similar incidents had occurred in Olegodege, Utigologwu, Egwuma, Akele, and Okwtanobe, with herders losing several cows to criminal activities.
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In response, Agatu LGA Chairman Melvin Ejeh confirmed that an investigation is underway and that a suspect has been arrested. He stressed that Agatu had been experiencing relative peace due to the efforts of a Peace Committee but warned against attempts to reignite tensions.
“It is unfortunate that some criminal elements are trying to disrupt our peace process, but the government will not stand by and allow this to happen,” Ejeh said, calling for increased security presence in the area.
Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident, stating that a briefing had been received regarding the poisoned cattle and that investigations were ongoing.
As authorities work to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incidents, tensions remain high in the region, where efforts to sustain peace between farmers and herders have been an ongoing challenge.