BREAKING: Mystery as over 200 cows die crossing River Benue in Agatu

Tragedy has struck suspected armed Fulani herdsmen terrorizing communities in Benue State, as hundreds of their cows reportedly died while attempting to cross the River Benue into Nasarawa State.

Eyewitnesses say the deaths occurred under mysterious circumstances. According to Olikita Ekani, a farmer who was returning from his farm on Saturday, June 14, he saw “several dead cows floating on the River Benue opposite Achepe village in Nasarawa State” He also observed “hundreds of Fulani herders rushing and crossing from the Benue side of the river to Nasarawa.”

When contacted, local fishermen helping to ferry the herders across the river confirmed the mass movement had been ongoing for over a week.

“Anytime they are rushing and crossing like this, just know that attacks are imminent,” one of the fishermen warned.

“This is what has been happening here for the past one week.”

According to the fishermen, over 200 cows have died during the crossings, with 64 reportedly perishing on Saturday alone. The causes of death include drowning and soil collapse linked to riverbank erosion.

“Most of the dead cows were killed by heavy soil falling on them when they came close to the land, while some drowned while swimming. We have never witnessed this kind of mysterious death of cattle before,” a fisherman added.

The herdsmen are reportedly using key crossing points such as Abugbe to Odenyi in Nasarawa State, Ocholonya to Akpekpo, Achukpa to Ijiwo, and Oleg’Ada’Gomowe to Achepe.

The incident comes amid rising fears of fresh attacks, as the sudden mass movement of armed herdsmen from Benue to Nasarawa is viewed by locals as a familiar prelude to violent invasions.

Authorities in both states are yet to respond to the development.