Tension in Agatu as criminals poison 20 cows, rustle 200 – Miyetti Allah raises alarm

The Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Risku Muhammed, has raised concerns over escalating criminal activities in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA), which he says are threatening the peace in the region.

Speaking to journalists via telephone on Sunday, Muhammed alleged that some criminal elements poisoned 20 cows belonging to one of their members on Saturday. He claimed that cattle rustling and poisoning have become rampant in the area, disrupting the livelihoods of herders.

Detailing the latest incident in Ucha village, Muhammed accused a farmer, identified as Bawa Oneh, of lacing rice chaff with poison before inviting a herder to graze his cattle on it. This act reportedly led to the deaths of 13 cows, while seven others are currently receiving treatment from a veterinary doctor.

In addition to the poisoning, Muhammed reported that on Thursday, criminals rustled 200 cows. However, security operatives intervened promptly, leading to the arrest of one suspect while others escaped. He added that 186 of the stolen cows were recovered.

“I received reports from my members in Agatu LGA that a criminal laced rice chaff with poison and tricked a herder into grazing on it. Sadly, 13 cows died instantly, and seven are being treated,” Muhammed stated.

He commended Agatu Local Government Chairman, Melvin James, for his swift response to issues concerning herders and local communities. He noted that the chairman, along with some Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), had previously facilitated compensation for herders who lost cattle to criminal activities.

Muhammed further lamented that herders had suffered similar attacks in Olegodege, Utigologwu, Egwuma, Akele, Okwtanobe, and now Ucha, where cases of cattle rustling and killings have persisted.

When contacted, Agatu LGA Chairman Melvin James confirmed that his office had received MACBAN’s complaints, and investigations were underway. He disclosed that a farmer had been arrested in connection with the cow poisoning.

“We are investigating the incident, and a suspect has already been apprehended. Agatu has largely enjoyed peace, thanks to the peace committee set up to review security issues daily. However, some criminal elements are determined to disrupt this progress, and the government will not tolerate it,” James said.

He also commended the state government for its efforts in maintaining peace in Agatu and called for the deployment of more security operatives to the area.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Catherine Anene, stated that investigations were ongoing.

“I was briefed this morning (Sunday) about the poisoned cows. A suspect has been arrested, and further investigations are in progress,” Anene said.

She added that a peace committee remains active in Agatu LGA, working tirelessly to sustain the fragile peace in the previously troubled region.