Tension gripped Vwei community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Wednesday after 18 cows died from allegedly grazing on farmland recently fumigated with chemicals.
The incident reportedly happened around noon when the cows, belonging to a local herdsman identified as Dan’azumi Haruna, wandered into the treated farmland without the knowledge of the herder.
Eyewitnesses and community sources said 11 of the cows died instantly after consuming the grass, which had been sprayed with agrochemicals. The remaining seven were quickly slaughtered by the owner due to fears of contamination and to prevent further suffering.
A local resident said, “The cows strayed into the farm after the area was sprayed with chemicals. Some collapsed immediately. The owner decided to kill the others that were clearly affected.”
Fifteen more cows that reportedly came into contact with the same contaminated area are now undergoing treatment, though their chances of survival remain uncertain.
The death of the livestock has raised concern among both farmers and herders in the area. While the farmers say they have a right to protect their crops using pesticides and herbicides, herders argue that more needs to be done to prevent such accidents, including clear warnings and fencing of treated farmlands.
The local authorities have not issued a formal statement, but community leaders are said to be engaging both parties to prevent tensions from escalating.
Riyom is one of several local government areas in Plateau State that has witnessed long-standing clashes between farmers and herders, often triggered by issues related to land use and grazing paths. Though this incident appears to be accidental, it has rekindled old concerns about land sharing and livestock safety in the region.
Community members are now calling for better coordination between farmers and herders to avoid future incidents, including public awareness on the safe use of chemicals on farmlands and better communication during farming seasons.
