Criminal elements threatening peace in Agatu, Benue MACBAN chairman alleges

…accuses criminals of poisoning 20 cows

The Benue State Chairman of the Miyeitti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Risku Muhammed, has raised the alarm over criminal elements in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA), frustrating the peace in the area.

Speaking to newsmen on Sunday via telephone, the MACBAN chairman alleged that some criminal elements poisoned 20 cows belonging to one of their members on Saturday.

He noted that criminals in the local government have been involved in rustling and poisoning their cows.

Speaking on the incident at Ucha village on Saturday, Muhammed said a farmer identified as Bawa Oneh allegedly laced rice chaff with poison and later invited one of the herders to graze his cows on it, resulting in the deaths of 13 cows, with seven others currently under treatment by a veterinary doctor.

Muhammed also accused the criminals of rustling 200 cows last Thursday. However, he disclosed that with the prompt intervention of security operatives, one of the rustlers was arrested while the others escaped. He added that 186 of the rustled cows were recovered.

“I received a report from my members in Agatu LGA that a criminal laced rice chaff with poison and invited one of our members to graze on the rice chaff. Unfortunately, 13 cows died instantly, while seven are being treated by a veterinary doctor,” Muhammed stated.

He commended the Agatu Local Government Chairman, Melvin James, for his prompt response to issues concerning herders and local communities in the area.

“The local government chairman, along with some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) working in the LGA, has several times paid compensation for cows killed by these criminals,” the MACBAN chairman said.

He explained that the herders in the area had also suffered losses to criminals in Olegodege, Utigologwu, Egwuma, Akele, Okwtanobe, and now Ucha through rustling and killings.

When contacted, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, confirmed that the council had received MACBAN’s complaints, which are currently under investigation. He added that a farmer had been arrested in connection with the poisoning of cows on Saturday.

James stated that with the support of the state government and the deployment of security operatives, Agatu had enjoyed relative peace.

“We have received complaints from Miyeitti Allah, and investigations are ongoing regarding the incident. Agatu has been enjoying peace, largely due to the peace committee set up in the area, which reviews the peace process on a daily basis.

“It’s unfortunate that some criminal elements are bent on instigating crises and disrupting the peace process, but the government will not fold its arms and allow that to happen,” James said.

The chairman also praised the state government for restoring peace in Agatu and appealed for the deployment of more security operatives to the council.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Catherine Anene, stated that one suspect had been arrested.

“I received a briefing this morning (Sunday) regarding the poisoned cows. An investigation is ongoing, and a suspect has been arrested,” Anene said.

The PPRO noted that a peace committee is working tirelessly in Agatu LGA to ensure that peace continues to reign in the previously troubled council.

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