Tensions have heightened in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State following the death of 36 cows and the critical illness of 42 others from suspected poisoning at Tafi Gana junction on Wednesday.
The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Bassa LGA, Ya’u Idris, confirmed the incident, stating that the cattle consumed poisoned garden eggs deliberately scattered across the area while grazing around 4:30 p.m.
“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,” Idris said.
He disclosed that the matter had been reported to security agencies including the Nigerian Army’s GOC 3 Division, the DSS, and the police. He added that the GOC had visited the scene and assured MACBAN of a thorough investigation, urging the Fulani community to remain calm and avoid retaliation.
The incident comes just two days after an attack on Zikke village in the same Bassa LGA left 52 people dead and several others injured.
Dozens of homes were set ablaze in the attack, which residents attributed to herders—a claim the herding community has denied.
Amid the growing fears of reprisal, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has imposed a ban on night grazing, cattle transportation, and motorcycle movement beyond 7 p.m. as part of measures to curb the escalating violence.
