At least 36 cows have died and 42 others are critically ill after allegedly consuming poisoned garden eggs in the Tafi Gana Junction area of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Bassa, Ya’u Idris. He claimed that the garden eggs, suspected to have been deliberately laced with poison, were scattered across the grazing area.
“We had about 78 cattle grazing in that area. So far, 36 have died, and the remaining 42 are in critical condition. We don’t know if they will survive,” Idris said.
He confirmed that the case has been reported to security agencies, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the police. Idris noted that the GOC visited the scene and assured the community that an investigation was underway.
“He urged us to remain peaceful and not take the law into our own hands. He also promised that the perpetrators would be brought to justice,” Idris added, calling for calm among Fulani residents amid growing tensions.
The poisoning incident came just two days after a deadly attack in Zikke village, also in Bassa LGA, which left 52 people dead and many others injured. Several homes were also set ablaze. While residents blamed herders for the violence, leaders of the herding community have denied any involvement.
The recent developments have heightened fears of reprisal attacks in the region, known for its history of violent clashes between farming and herding communities.
In a bid to address the escalating insecurity, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Wednesday imposed a ban on night grazing, cattle movement, and motorcycle operations beyond 7 p.m., as part of new measures to restore peace in the state.
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