Police arrest suspect over cow poisoning in Agatu

A farmer has been arrested in connection with the poisoning of cows in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, local authorities have confirmed.

The arrest followed an investigation into the poisoning of 20 cows, an act strongly condemned by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

The Chairman of MACBAN in Benue, Risku Muhammed, accused criminal elements in Agatu LGA of targeting cattle through poisoning and rustling. He stated that the incident occurred on Saturday in Ucha village, where a farmer, identified as Bawa Oneh, allegedly laced rice chaff with poison and invited a herder to feed it to the cows.

As a result, 13 cows died on the spot, while seven others are currently undergoing treatment by a veterinary doctor.

“We received reports from our members that a criminal poisoned rice chaff and invited one of our members to graze his cows on it,” Muhammed said. “Sadly, 13 cows died immediately, and seven others are under treatment.”

This incident comes just days after another cattle rustling attack in which 200 cows were stolen. Security operatives responded swiftly, arresting one of the rustlers while others managed to escape.

Muhammed commended the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, for his prompt intervention in addressing the concerns of both herders and local communities. He also praised the local government and non-governmental organizations for their efforts, including compensating herders for cows lost to criminal attacks.

“The local government chairman, along with NGOs, has been proactive in compensating for cows lost to these criminals,” he said.

The MACBAN chairman further alleged that criminal groups had been responsible for a series of cattle rustling and killings across multiple villages, including Olegodege, Utigologwu, Egwuma, Akele, Okwtanobe, and now Ucha.

In response to the latest incident, Agatu LGA Chairman Melvin James confirmed that a farmer had been arrested in connection with the poisoning. He assured that investigations were ongoing and that steps were being taken to address security concerns in the area.

“We have received complaints from Miyetti Allah, and an investigation is ongoing,” James stated. “Agatu has been enjoying relative peace due to the efforts of the peace committee, and we will continue to strengthen the peace process. Unfortunately, some criminal elements are trying to destabilize this peace, but the government is committed to stopping them.”

James also commended the state government’s role in maintaining peace in Agatu and called for additional security operatives to be deployed to the area.

The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, confirmed the arrest, stating that investigations were in progress.

“I received a briefing this morning (Sunday) about the poisoning incident, and an investigation is ongoing. One suspect has been arrested,” Anene said.

She further noted that the peace committee in Agatu LGA has been actively working to sustain stability in the region, which has faced security challenges in the past.