Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) has raised alarm over the alleged killing of many cattle belonging to its members after they were reportedly poisoned while grazing around Kwi village in Riyom local government area of Plateau State.
The incident, according to the association, occurred on Friday evening. Plateau State chairman of MACBAN, Ibrahim Babayo, who disclosed the development, said the attack was not isolated, noting that six cows had similarly died in the same community the previous Friday, after allegedly being poisoned.
Babayo explained that the association promptly reported the matter to the sector commander of Operation Enduring Peace in Barkin-Ladi local government area, after which personnel of the security operation were deployed to the scene to assess the situation.
He said the exact number of cattle affected could not immediately be established, as more than 100 cattle were grazing in the area at the time of the incident, making it difficult to determine the full scale of the losses.
Condemning the alleged poisoning, MACBAN chairman called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
When contacted, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Ɗanja, said the Army was aware of the development, particularly reports that security personnel attached to ‘Operation Enduring Peace’ were seen at the location.
Danja added that the Army would follow-up on the incident and provide further details after receiving a comprehensive report.
Babayo, however, described the alleged poisoning and rustling of cattle as a deliberate attempt to provoke herders in the state. He said the recent incidents showed that herders were being pushed to the brink. “What we are facing in recent days is clear evidence that we are being pushed to the wall. The world is witnessing what is happening to us. Some people have said that they would be attacked during the Christmas period, and that is why they have continued to kill herders and their animals”, he said.
He added that security agencies, including the police, the Department of State Service and ‘Operation Enduring Peace’, were aware of the situation confronting herders in the area. “Just on Wednesday, over 160 cattle were rustled, and many cattle were poisoned. We are peaceful people and will continue to be law-abiding. We are calling on our members to remain calm and allow security personnel to investigate the matter”, Babayo stated.
Reacting to the allegation, National Chairman of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Solomon Dalyop, said the group was not aware of the reported poisoning incident.
Dalyop, however, accused Fulani herders of violence in the area, claiming that while they alleged that their cattle were poisoned, there were attacks on communities the same day.
