The Plateau State Government has mandated an investigation into the alleged poisoning of 36 cows in Zanwar, a community within the volatile Bassa Local Government Area of the state.
Ya’u Idris, the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Bassa, stated that the incident occurred on Wednesday while the cattle were grazing.
This alleged poisoning took place a day after Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited the troubled area on Tuesday to apologize to victims of a recent armed bandits’ attack in which over 50 people were killed across several communities in the Miango district of Bassa LGA.
The cow poisoning is suspected to be a continuation of retaliatory actions between peasant farmers and cattle herders that have occurred over time.
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Mr. Idris, the Miyetti Allah leader, reported that the cows ingested what appeared to be poisonous garden eggs scattered in the grazing areas near the Tafi Gana junction of Bassa LGA.
He urged members of the Fulani community to remain calm and refrain from taking matters into their own hands, assuring them that security agencies were addressing the situation.
Police spokesperson in the state, Alfred Alabo, confirmed to reporters that 33 cows had died.
He added that the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, Bzigu Kwazhi, along with the State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, and other senior officers, visited the community to express their condolences to the cattle owner, Sama’ila Nuhu.
“During the visit, the DIG sympathised with the affected cattle owner and the community, urging them not to resort to self-help, and assured that those responsible would be apprehended and prosecuted,” Mr. Alabo stated.
Similarly, Plateau State government spokesperson, Joyce Ramnap, announced that the government had ordered an investigation into the poisoning incident.
Mrs. Ramnap called on the public to remain calm and avoid speculations that could escalate tensions in the area.
“Our attention has been drawn to reports circulating on social media, particularly from the GAFDAN Media Team, concerning the alleged poisoning of 36 cows belonging to one Mallam Samaila Nuhu on April 16, 2025,” she said.
“In line with Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s commitment to justice, transparency, and peaceful coexistence among all residents of Plateau State, the Ministry of Livestock Development, Veterinary Services and Fisheries has been directed to immediately conduct a thorough investigation,” Mrs. Ramnap added.
She explained that a team comprising veterinary experts, environmental officers, and field investigators had been dispatched to the scene to collect samples and determine the facts surrounding the incident.
“The government remains committed to promoting peaceful cohabitation, inclusive dialogue, and sustainable solutions to long-standing issues related to land use and grazing. We appeal to all stakeholders to avoid inflammatory statements and allow due process to take its course,” the government’s spokesperson concluded.
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