Miyetti Allah Alleges Poisoning, Rustling Of Cattle In Benue
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State has raised concerns over the alleged poisoning and rustling of cattle belonging to its members in Agatu Local Government Area.
State Chairman of MACBAN, Risku Muhammed, disclosed that over 20 cows were poisoned on Saturday in Ucha village, while more than 200 cattle were rustled last Thursday.
He, however, noted that security operatives arrested one of the rustlers while others escaped.
Muhammed alleged that a farmer in Ucha laced rice chaff with poison and invited a herder to graze his cattle, leading to the immediate death of 13 cows, while seven others are receiving treatment.
“I got reports from my members that a criminal had mixed poison with rice chaff and invited one of our members to graze on it. Unfortunately, 13 cows died instantly, and seven are undergoing treatment by a veterinary doctor,” he stated.
He commended Agatu Local Government Chairman, Melvin Ejeh, for responding promptly to herder-related issues, noting that the council, along with some non-governmental organisations, had compensated herders for previous losses.
Muhammed further lamented that herders had lost several cattle to criminal activities in Olegodege, Utigologwu, Egwuma, Akele, Okwtanobe, and Ucha.
Confirming the incident, Ejeh said investigations were ongoing and a farmer had been arrested in connection with the poisoning.
“We have received complaints from Miyetti Allah, and the matter is under investigation. Agatu has enjoyed relative peace due to efforts from the Peace Committee, but some criminal elements are trying to disrupt this process. The government will not allow that to happen,” he stated.
The council chairman called for the deployment of additional security operatives to sustain peace in the area.
Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, confirmed the development, stating that an investigation was underway and a suspect had been apprehended.
She also acknowledged the efforts of the Peace Committee in maintaining stability in Agatu.
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