The Benu State branch of the Nigeria Miati Allah Breeders Association raised an alarm about the poisoning of its dairy cows, allegedly executed by criminals in the Agatu local government.
Risku Muhammed, the chairman of the state’s Macban, charged with intentional targeting the perpetrator of livestock, resulting in the death of 20 cattle.
Muhammed spoke in Punch on Sunday, March 30, detailing the latest incident, which took place on Saturday in the village of UCHA, where a farmer was identified as Bawa Oneh, allegedly ended the rice with poison and invited a herder to herd his cattle on it.
Mohammed sighed: “In the report of members of the Agatu LGA, the poison and poison criminals invited one of our members to grazed his cows. Unfortunately, 13 cows died immediately, while seven veterinarians were treated by veterinary doctors.”
He further accused the criminals of rustling a few days ago, adding that security agents were able to intervene in a timely manner, resulting in one suspect being arrested while others escaped.
The McCat’s continued targeting of Agatu’s community, listing several communities, including Olegodege, Utigologwu, Egwuma, Akele and Okwtanobe, are where similar events occur.
However, he praised Agathut LGA President Melvin James for his quick response to the crisis.
“The president of local governments, as well as some NGOs working in the region, have paid for the cows killed by these criminals,” Mohammed said.
Melvin James, chairman of Agatu LGA, confirmed the incident.
James said: “We have received a complaint from Miyetti Allah and are investigating it. Agatu has been enjoying peace because of the establishment of the Peace Commission. Every day, we review the peace process.”
In recognizing the progress made in peacekeeping, he warned that some criminals are still trying to inspire violence.
“Unfortunately, some criminals tend to incite the crisis and destroy the peace process, but the government will not fold the weapons and allow this to happen,” he added.
James called on the state government to deploy more security agents to further strengthen existing peace efforts.
Catherine Anene, spokesman for Benue State Police Command, also confirmed the incident, pointing to the poisoning.
“I was reportedly poisoned by the dead cow this morning (Sunday). The investigation is underway and the suspect has been arrested,” she said.
PPRO further stressed that a peace commission is actively working to maintain peace in Agatu, which was previously plagued by frequent conflicts between herders and farmers.
