A farmer has been arrested in connection with the poisoning of cows in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, according to local authorities.

The arrest followed an investigation into the recent poisoning of 20 cows, an act that has been strongly condemned by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria.

The Chairman of MACBAN in Benue State, Risku Muhammed, accused criminal elements in Agatu LGA of poisoning and rustling cattle.

Muhammed  explained that aside the poisoned cattle, “over 200 cows were last Thursday also rustled by the criminals but for the prompt intervention of security operatives who arrested one of the rustlers while others escaped.”

Mohammed alleged that a farmer in Ucha community, identified Bawa Oneh, poisioned the cows with the chaff of rice after he invited a herder to feed his cows with it leading to the death of 13 of the cows while seven others that survived were undergoing treatment.

 “We received reports from our members that a criminal poisoned rice chaff and invited one of our members to graze his cows on it,” Muhammed explained.

“Sadly, 13 cows died immediately, and seven others are under treatment.”

However, security operatives intervened promptly, arresting one of the rustlers, while others managed to escape.

Muhammed commended the prompt action of the Agatu LGA chairman, Melvin James, who responded quickly to the situation involving the herders and local communities.

 He also praised the local government and non-governmental organisations for their continuous support, including compensation for cows killed by criminals in the region.

“The local government chairman, along with NGOs, has been proactive in compensating for cows lost to these criminals,” Muhammed said.

In response to the incident, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, confirmed that a farmer had been arrested in connection with the poisoning.

The Council Chairman said: “We have received complaints from Miyetti Allah and investigation is going on about the incident. Agatu has been enjoying peace and this is as a result of the Peace Committee that was set up and on daily basis we review the peace process.

“It is unfortunate that some criminal elements are bent on instigating crisis and destroying the peace process but government will not fold its arms and allow that to happen.”

The Chairman who lauded the state government for ensuring peace in Agatu appealed for the deployment of more security operatives to the LGA.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent, CSP, Catherine Anene who confirmed the development said “I have a briefing this morning (Sunday) about dead cows said to have been poisoned, investigation is ongoing and a suspect has been arrested over the matter.”

The Anene also confirmed the existence of a Peace Committee working tirelessly in the area to ensure sustainable peace in the communities of Agatu LGA.