In a disturbing development in Benue State, a farmer has been arrested in connection with the poisoning of 20 cows in the Agatu Local Government Area (LGA). This act of animal cruelty has sparked outrage, with local herders and authorities calling for swift justice. The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has also condemned the incident, which has further complicated the already tense relationship between farmers and herders in the region.
According to local authorities, the incident took place on Saturday in Ucha village, Agatu LGA, where a farmer identified as Bawa Oneh allegedly poisoned rice chaff and invited a herder to feed it to his cows. The poison-laced food led to the death of 13 cows, with seven others requiring treatment from a veterinary doctor. The cows were part of a herd being grazed in the area when the tragedy occurred.
Risku Muhammed, the Chairman of MACBAN in Benue State, revealed that the act was part of a series of criminal activities, including cattle rustling and animal poisoning, in the region. He expressed his deep concern over the increasing incidents of criminal behavior targeting livestock in Agatu, a situation that has led to growing tension between the farming and herding communities.
“This is a criminal act that we strongly condemn. The poison was mixed with rice chaff, and one of our members was invited to feed it to the cows. Tragically, 13 cows died, and seven others are now under treatment,” Muhammed said.
The cow poisoning incident follows another troubling event just a few days earlier on Thursday, when 200 cows were reported stolen from the region. The timely intervention of security operatives resulted in the arrest of one of the rustlers, although several others managed to escape. Muhammed expressed his appreciation for the quick response of security personnel and local authorities to this crime.
The MACBAN chairman also praised the leadership of Agatu LGA, particularly Melvin James, for his swift actions in addressing the situation involving the herders and the local community. Muhammed highlighted that the local government, alongside non-governmental organizations (NGOs), had been proactive in compensating herders for livestock lost to criminal activities, including the latest cow poisoning.
“The local government chairman has been very supportive, and NGOs have also played a crucial role in compensating for cows lost to these criminals. This is an encouraging step, but more needs to be done to ensure peace,” he said.
In response to the poisoning incident, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, confirmed that a farmer had been arrested in connection with the crime. He reassured the public that the situation was under investigation and that efforts were being made to address the growing security concerns in the area. James expressed his commitment to maintaining peace in Agatu, despite the challenges posed by criminal elements.
“We have received complaints from the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, and an investigation is currently underway,” James stated. “Agatu has been relatively peaceful due to the efforts of the peace committee, but unfortunately, some criminal elements are trying to destabilize this peace. The government is committed to stopping them.”
James also called on the state government to deploy more security personnel to the area to combat the rising number of criminal activities, including cattle rustling and poisoning, that have plagued the region for some time.
“We need more security operatives in the area to ensure that peace is maintained. The state government has been very supportive, and we will continue to collaborate with them to keep Agatu safe,” James added.
Catherine Anene, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, confirmed that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the cow poisoning incident. She stated that an investigation was ongoing, with police working to identify any additional suspects involved in the crime.
“I received a briefing this morning about the poisoning incident, and an investigation is in progress. One suspect has been arrested, and we are working to ensure justice is served,” Anene said.
Anene also reiterated that a peace committee in Agatu has been working tirelessly to maintain stability in the area, which has faced security challenges in the past. The peace committee, comprising local leaders, security operatives, and community representatives, has been instrumental in fostering dialogue between farmers and herders, and in addressing issues of violence and criminality.
The poisoning of cows is the latest in a series of incidents that have contributed to the strained relations between farmers and herders in Benue State, particularly in Agatu LGA. The area has long been a hotspot for clashes between the two groups, who often come into conflict over land and resources.
For the herding community, cattle are not just a source of income, but also a key part of their cultural and social identity. The loss of livestock, especially due to criminal acts like poisoning, can have devastating effects on families, as it disrupts their livelihood and deepens their economic vulnerability.
Muhammed and other community leaders have called for more robust measures to prevent further incidents of cattle rustling and poisoning. While the actions of local authorities have been commendable, the situation remains fragile, and many believe that long-term solutions are necessary to address the root causes of these conflicts.
The recent cow poisoning incident has brought attention to the need for stronger law enforcement and community cooperation in tackling criminal activities in Agatu and other parts of Benue State. While the arrest of the suspect is a step in the right direction, there are calls for further investigation and prosecution to ensure that those responsible for such crimes are held accountable.
Local authorities have also reiterated their commitment to working with security agencies, NGOs, and community leaders to bring lasting peace to the region. However, many feel that more needs to be done to address the underlying causes of violence and criminality, particularly the long-standing tensions between farmers and herders.
