A Benue farmer, identified as Bawa Oneh, has been arrested for allegedly poisoning over 20 Fulani cows that were ruining his farms in the Agatu Local Government Area.
According to Risku Muhammed, the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, the farmer laced rice chaff with poison and invited a herder to graze his cows on it, resulting in the death of 13 cows, while seven others are being treated by a veterinary doctor.
The incident has sparked concerns over the ongoing conflicts between herders and farmers in the region. The MACBAN chairman accused criminal elements in Agatu LGA of targeting their livestock, and praised the local government chairman, Melvin James, for his swift response to the crisis. The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the suspect and is currently investigating the incident.
However, some have raised concerns about the perceived double standard in the treatment of herders and farmers, with some arguing that the police are more proactive in responding to incidents involving herders than those involving farmers.
