 in Benue State has warned about the situation.){kind=link}
Over 200 cows were rustled by the criminals but for the prompt intervention of security operatives who arrested one of the rustlers while others escaped
With regard to the alleged poisoning and rustling of members’ cattle by criminal elements in the Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue state, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State has warned about the situation.
“Over twenty cows belonging to Fulani herdsmen were poisoned on Saturday at Ucha village in Agatu,” said Risku Muhammed, the Chairman of MACBAN in the state, who raised the alarm over the weekend.
He also said, “over 200 cows were last Thursday also rustled by the criminals but for the prompt intervention of security operatives who arrested one of the rustlers while others escaped.”
“I got report from my members in Agatu LGA that a criminal who had laced rice chaff with poison invited one of our members to come and graze on the rice chaff, unfortunately, 13 cows died instantly while seven are being treated by a veterinary doctor.
“The Local Government Chairman with some Non Governmental Organizations working in the LGA have several times paid for cows killed by these criminals.”
Melvin Ejeh, chairman of Agatu LGA, said MACBAN’s allegation was being investigated, and a farmer was detained for poisoning the cows.
He said, “We have received complaints from Miyetti Allah and investigation is going on about the incident. Agatu has been enjoying peace and this is as a result of the Peace Committee that was set up and on daily basis we review the peace process.
“It is unfortunate that some criminal elements are bent on instigating crisis and destroying the peace process but government will not fold its arms and allow that to happen.”
According to Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent, CSP, Catherine Anene, “I have a briefing this morning (Sunday) about dead cows said to have been poisoned, investigation is ongoing and a suspect has been arrested.”