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The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has raised concerns over the alleged poisoning of their cattle in Agatu Local Government Area, attributing the act to criminal elements operating in the region....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>
State Chairman of MACBAN, Risku Muhammed, claimed that individuals in the area were deliberately targeting their livestock, resulting in the recent deaths of 20 cows.
Speaking on Sunday, Muhammed recounted the latest incident, which reportedly took place on Saturday in Ucha village.
According to him, a farmer allegedly laced rice chaff with poison before inviting a herder to graze his cattle 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 alleged that in addition to the poisoning, rustlers had stolen 200 cows just days earlier. However, he noted that security operatives managed to intervene, leading to the arrest of one suspect while others fled.
Expressing growing concerns over continued attacks on herders in Agatu, Muhammed highlighted several affected communities, including Olegodege, Utigologwu, Egwuma, Akele, and Okwtanobe. Despite these challenges, he commended Agatu LGA Chairman, Melvin James, for his prompt intervention.
“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 acknowledged the complaints filed by MACBAN and assured that investigations were already underway.
“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 noting the progress in fostering harmony, he warned that certain elements were attempting to stir up 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 urged the state government to deploy additional security forces to Agatu to reinforce existing peace efforts.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command confirmed the poisoning incident, revealing that a suspect had been taken into custody.
State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, a Chief Superintendent of Police, stated: “I have a briefing this morning (Sunday) about dead cows said to have been poisoned.
“Investigation is going on, and a suspect has been arrested.”
She further assured that a peace committee was actively working to sustain calm in Agatu, an area previously marked by frequent conflicts between herders and farmers…CONTINUE READING>>
