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| 36 cows poisoned in Plateau, herder-farmer tensions flare |
The Plateau State Government has opened a probe into the alleged poisoning of 36 cows in Bassa Local Government Area. The incident took place on April 16, 2025, at Tafi Gana junction near Zanwar community as the animals grazed. Officials urged calm while veterinary teams start work on samples.
The cattle owner, Mallam Samaila Nuhu, lost 36 of his cows in the incident. Another 42 animals remain in critical condition after they ate garden eggs laced with a toxic substance scattered on the pasture.
This poisoning came two days after bandits killed 52 people in nearby Zikke village and burned homes in the area. Locals fear such attacks may spark fresh unrest if left unchecked.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang banned night grazing across the state in response. He also barred cattle transport and motorcycle travel from 7 pm to 6 am to curb further clashes.
Truck and motorcycle drivers say the new rule clashes with existing transport laws and causes confusion for hauliers. They have asked the government to review the timing to ease their work.
The cattle breeders’ group MACBAN backed the call. It asked that the ban start at 8 pm each night to allow herders time to return home safely.
Police backed the probe and peace appeal. Deputy Inspector General Kwazhi Bzigu Dali flew drones over Bassa LGA, met local chiefs, and pledged extra security assets for the area.
The Ministry of Livestock sent veterinarians and environmental officers to collect samples. They will test to find the poison’s source and report their findings when lab work ends.
Analysts warn that targeting cattle risks deepening the herder‑farmer feud and may fuel more tit‑for‑tat attacks. They urge swift arrests to stop revenge cycles in the region.
This area has seen over 1,300 deaths in herder‑farmer violence since December 2023. More than 2,000 people have fled their homes in recent months amid rising tensions.
The Northern Elders Forum called the cattle killings barbaric and demanded federal action to bring culprits to justice and compensate victims.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum urged community and religious leaders to back peace efforts. It said families must rebuild trust and heal long‑standing wounds.
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi urged concrete security action over statements. He said the nation cannot thrive while home‑based attacks go unpunished.
As the probe ramps up, state chiefs ask residents to stay calm and patient. They promise full accountability for those who sow harm and called on all sides to work for lasting peace.