‘Miyetti Allah Alleges Poisoning Of 20 Cows In Benue

The Benue State branch of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has voiced concerns about the toxic contamination of their cattle, supposedly perpetrated by lawless individuals in Agatu Local Government Area.

State MACBAN Chairman, Risku Muhammed, pointed fingers at offenders in the region for intentionally attacking their animals, resulting in the recent demise of 20 cows.

In a conversation with Punch on Sunday, March 30, Muhammed recounted the most recent event, which took place on Saturday at Ucha village, where a farmer named Bawa Oneh allegedly tainted rice chaff with a toxic substance and encouraged a herder to let his cows feed on it.

“I received a report from my colleagues in Agatu LGA that a wrongdoer who had infused rice chaff with poison beckoned one of our associates to bring his cows to graze. Tragically, 13 cows perished immediately while seven are under treatment by a veterinary physician,” Muhammed bemoaned.

He additionally charged the culprits with stealing 200 cows just days prior, noting that security forces managed to step in promptly, leading to the apprehension of one suspect while others fled.

The MACBAN leader voiced apprehension about the persistent harassment of herders in Agatu, naming several locales—such as Olegodege, Utigologwu, Egwuma, Akele, and Okwtanobe—as sites where comparable incidents have transpired.

Nonetheless, he praised Agatu LGA Chairman, Melvin James, for his swift reaction to the situation.

“The local government chairman, together with some Non-Governmental Organizations operating in the region, has on multiple occasions compensated for cows slain by these lawbreakers,” Muhammed remarked.

Validating the occurrence, Agatu LGA Chairman, Melvin James, affirmed that the council had been informed of MACBAN’s grievances and had already initiated inquiries.

“We have been notified of complaints from Miyetti Allah, and a probe is underway. Agatu has been experiencing tranquility, and this stems from the peace committee established. On a regular basis, we assess the peace progression,” James explained.

While recognizing the advancements in preserving harmony, he cautioned that certain delinquent elements were still attempting to provoke unrest.

“It’s regrettable that some criminal individuals are determined to spark conflict and undermine the peace process, but the government will not stand idly by and permit that to occur,” he elaborated.

James urged the state government to station additional security personnel in Agatu to further bolster the ongoing peace initiatives.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, CSP Catherine Anene, likewise verified the incident, disclosing that an arrest had been executed in relation to the poisoning.

“I had a briefing this morning (Sunday) regarding deceased cows reportedly poisoned. Investigation is in progress, and a suspect has been detained,” she stated.

The PPRO additionally underscored that a peace committee was diligently striving to maintain serenity in Agatu, an area formerly plagued by recurrent disputes between herders and farmers.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli