The Plateau State government has set up a high-powered committee to investigate the alleged poisoning of cows at Tafi Gana community of Bassa Local Government Area of the state.
The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Bassa, Ya’u Idris, had on Thursday, raised an alarm alleging that confirmed that at least 36 cows belonging to Fulani herdsmen were killed through poisoning by unknown persons in the Tafi Gana junction area of council.
Idris added that another 42 cows were critically ill after the purported poisoning of the cows occurred around 4:30 p.m. while the animals were grazing.
According to him, the cattle consumed garden eggs laced with poison which had been deliberately scattered across the area by the unknown persons.
“We had 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,” Idris told journalists in Jos.
In response to the allegations, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Joyce Ramnap, said the state government will investigate the alleged poisoning of the cows.
Ramnap who disclosed this in a statement in Jos, said the move was to de-escalate tensions and curb the current security threats within Bassa and the environs.
“Our attention has been drawn to an allegation circulating on social media, concerning the alleged poisoning of 36 cows belonging to one Malam Samaila Nuhu of Tafi Gana community of Bassa,” she said in the statement.
“While the government is deeply concerned about this, it urges the public to remain calm and avoid speculations or narratives that may further inflame tensions and disrupt the peace in the area.
“In line with the government’s commitment to justice, transparency, and peaceful coexistence among all citizens, the Ministry of Livestock Development, Vetrinary Services and Fisheries has been directed to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the incident.
“A team of veterinary experts, environmental officers, and field investigators has already been deployed to the location to collect samples and establish the facts surrounding the alleged poisoning.”
Ramnap expressed the government’s commitment to promoting peaceful cohabitation, inclusive dialogue, and sustainable solutions to longstanding issues of land use and grazing practices in the state.
She warned residents to desist from making inflammatory statements and allow due process in the ongoing investigation.
