The chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), in Bassa LGA, Ya’u Idris has stated that 36 cattle were killed and 42 others poisoned on Wednesday around Tafi Gana junction area of Bassa local government area of Plateau state .
According to the chairman, the incident occurred around 4:30 pm when the cattle were grazing in the area, adding that poison had been placed on garden eggs, which were scattered around the grazing area and eaten by the cattle.
Idris confirmed the development to newsmen in Jos and further explained that they have reported the incident to all security agencies including the GOC 3 division, DSD and police.
He noted that the GOC, had visited the scene of the incident to see for himself what had happened.
“We have 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 scattered around. We’ve informed the GOC 3 Division, and he visited the scene. He urged us not to take the law into our hands and promised to investigate those behind the incident and have them arrested, “ the chairman narrated.
The chairman however called on members of the Fulani community to remain calm and never take laws into their hands, hoping that the security forces are on top of the situation.
The cattle poisoning came barely two days after 52 persons were killed and many others injured in Zekki village, in the same Bassa LGA by suspected Fulani militias . Many houses were burned in the process.
Members of the attacked community had accused the Fulani herders in the communities of being responsible for the killings on Monday, an accusation they have vehemently denied .
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom is yet to respond to a message sent by our correspondent on the incident at the time of filling this report.
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