Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Ya’u Idris, has confirmed the killing of 36 cows and the poisoning of 42 others in the state.
The incident happened around the Tafi Gana junction area of Bassa Local Government Area of the state.
The chairman said the incident occurred around 4:30pm when the cattle were grazing in the area, adding that poison had been placed on garden eggs, which were scattered around the grazing area and eaten by the cattle.
Idris further explained that they had reported the incident to all security agencies including the GOC 3 Division, DSD and police, adding the GOC had visited the scene of the incident.
“We have about 78 cattle grazing in the area. Currently, 36 have been killed, and the remaining 42 are in critical condition. It’s uncertain what will happen to them due to the poisoned garden eggs scattered around.
“We have informed the GOC 3 Division, and he visited the scene.
“He urged us not to take the law into our hands and promised to investigate those behind the incident and have them arrested,” Idris said.
He, however, called on members of the Fulani community to remain calm and not to take the law into their hands, hoping that the security forces are on top of the situation.
The poisoning of the cattle came barely two days after 52 people were killed and many others injured in Zikke village, in the same Bassa LGA. Many houses were razed by the perpetrators.
Members of the attacked community accused the herding community of being responsible for the killings on Monday, an accusation that was denied by the herders.
Recall that two days after attacks on Plateau villages, which led to loss of lives and destruction of property, Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Wednesday banned night grazing, transportation of cattle and movements of motorcycles beyond 7pm.
The ban is one of the measures taken by the state government to prevent further conflicts between herding and farming communities.
The governor, who announced the ban in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, said: “In the late hours of Sunday, April 13, the peace of Zikke village in Bassa LGA was shattered by a brutal attack that claimed the lives of innocent men, women and children.
“This comes while we still mourn the tragic loss of over 50 lives in Bokkos. These attacks are calculated, persistent and painful.
“In response to these attacks, the following measures take effect from Wednesday, April 16th: Night grazing is strictly prohibited. Transportation of cattle after 7pm is banned, and motorcycle movement is restricted from 7pm to 6am statewide.
“I call on traditional rulers and youth leaders to revive local vigilante patrols in partnership with security forces. We must be united in protecting our land, guided by justice and law. Let us remain calm, vigilant and united.”