When Lightning Strikes: A Community's Fear As 7 Cows Fall Victim

MACBAN Sounds the Alarm: Poisoning and Theft Threaten Cattle in Benue's Agatu

Things are getting tense in Benue State, Nigeria, as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) raises concerns over the rising incidents of cattle poisoning and theft in the Agatu Local Government Area. It's not just about a few cows here and there; this is a full-blown crisis that's affecting the livelihoods of local cattle herders.

More Than Just a Number: 20 Poisoned, 200 Stolen

Over the weekend, the Chairman of MACBAN in Benue State, Risku Muhammed, delivered some alarming news. On Saturday, more than 20 cows belonging to Fulani herdsmen were poisoned in Ucha village, Agatu. But that's not all—just last Thursday, over 200 cows were stolen by a group of criminals. It's a double whammy that's left the community reeling. Thankfully, security forces were quick to act, arresting one of the thieves, though others managed to slip away.

Uncovering the Culprit: A Farmer's Deadly Trap

Muhammed pointed fingers at a local farmer from the Ucha community, whose identity remains undisclosed. Allegedly, this farmer used rice chaff laced with poison to invite a herder to feed his cattle. The result? Tragic. Thirteen cows died instantly, while seven others are currently being treated by a veterinarian. Muhammed described the harrowing scene, saying, "I got a 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 a veterinary doctor is treating seven."

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Local Leadership Steps In

Despite the chaos, there's been some positive action from local authorities. Melvin Ejeh, the Chairman of the Agatu Local Government Council, has been praised for his swift response to these incidents. Ejeh, alongside some NGOs, has even compensated herders for their losses in the past. But the challenges persist. Herders have lost countless cows to criminals in areas like Olegodege, Utigologwu, Egwuma, Akele, and Okwtanobe, with Ucha being the latest addition to the list.

Peace Under Threat: The Government's Role

Melvin Ejeh confirmed the complaints from MACBAN and assured the public that an investigation is underway. A farmer has already been apprehended in connection with the poisoned cows. Ejeh emphasized the relative peace that Agatu has enjoyed lately, crediting the state government and the deployment of security personnel. He remarked, "We have received complaints from Miyetti Allah, and an 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 a 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 the government will not fold its arms and allow that to happen."

Calling for Reinforcements

Ejeh praised the state government for its efforts in maintaining peace but called for the deployment of more security operatives to the LGA. The Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent Catherine Anene, also confirmed the ongoing investigation into the poisoned cows. She noted that a suspect had been arrested and praised the Peace Committee for its relentless work in ensuring sustainable peace in the communities of Agatu LGA.

This story isn't just about numbers—it's about a community grappling with threats to its way of life. As investigations continue and efforts to restore peace intensify, the hope is that justice will prevail and the cattle herders can breathe a little easier.