Benue State Farmer Arrested for Poisoning Over 20 Fulani Cows Ruining His Farms
Tensions have risen sharply in Benue State amid accusations from the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). They claim that criminal elements have poisoned and stolen cattle owned by their members in the Agatu Local Government Area. Risku Muhammed, the state chairman of MACBAN, voiced his concerns over the weekend, revealing that more than 20 cows were poisoned in Ucha village, and over 200 were stolen in a prior incident.
According to Muhammed, the poisoning incident happened when a local farmer in Ucha allegedly mixed poison with rice chaff and invited a herder to let his cattle graze there. Tragically, this led to the death of 13 cows, while seven others are currently under veterinary care. In a different situation, security forces intervened during a cattle rustling event, resulting in the arrest of one suspect, while others managed to escape. These events have stirred fears of retaliation and increased violence in the region.
Mohammed commended Melvin Ejeh, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, for acting swiftly in addressing these ongoing concerns. He noted that the local government, along with some NGOs, has previously provided compensation to herders who lost cattle due to criminal acts. He also pointed out that many herders have experienced similar troubles in various communities, including Olegodege, Utigologwu, Egwuma, Akele, Okwtanobe, and now Ucha. The frequency of these attacks hints at a larger issue, possibly tied to ongoing frictions between herders and farming communities, disputes over land, and economic challenges that contribute to cattle rustling.
Chairman Ejeh acknowledged receiving the complaints from MACBAN and reassured the public that investigations are ongoing. He highlighted that Agatu had enjoyed a relatively peaceful period thanks to the efforts of the state government and security forces. However, he warned that some elements are trying to disrupt this peace, pledging that authorities would not allow such disruptions to succeed.
He reiterated the government’s dedication to maintaining stability and encouraged residents to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement to prevent further conflicts. Expressing faith in the current peace-building efforts, Ejeh praised the state's initiative in creating a Peace Committee that has been actively working to uphold stability. He called for more security presence in Agatu to strengthen ongoing efforts and deter any potential criminal activities that could jeopardize the ongoing reconciliation process.
The Chairman also urged community leaders and stakeholders to continue their dialogues, as fostering mutual understanding between farmers and herders is crucial for sustainable peace. In the meantime, Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent Catherine Anene, confirmed the poisoning incident and stated that investigations are in progress. She also confirmed that a suspect has been arrested in relation to the case, reinforcing the authorities' commitment to ensuring justice and minimizing tensions in the region.
The police have pledged to remain alert and take necessary actions to shield both herders and local farmers from criminal acts that could escalate hostilities. The ongoing struggles between herders and local communities in Benue have long been a challenge, often stoked by disputes over grazing land and retaliatory attacks, with criminal elements taking advantage of the situation. The entrenched nature of these conflicts complicates resolution, as each incident deepens mistrust between the involved parties.
Yet, stakeholders, including security agencies, government representatives, and peace-building organizations persist in their efforts to promote lasting harmony in the area. Initiatives such as town hall meetings, inter-community dialogues, and conflict resolution programs are being implemented to address grievances and seek common ground. As the investigation continues, residents of Agatu and nearby communities hold onto hope that justice will prevail and that further violence will be averted. The state government and security forces have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring that both farmers and herders can coexist without fear of conflict. However, worries linger about the effectiveness of these measures, given the ongoing nature of these attacks and the challenges in tracking down and prosecuting those responsible.
The ongoing problem of conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria remains a critical issue, not just in Benue State but throughout the nation.
The federal government has rolled out a range of measures, such as ranching policies, grazing reserves, and mediation initiatives, all aimed at tackling the underlying causes of this crisis.
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