In the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria, a troubling incident has occurred, highlighting the persistent tensions between farmers and herders in the region. A local farmer has been apprehended by authorities following allegations of poisoning twenty cows belonging to Fulani herders. This act has drawn strong condemnation from the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), a prominent advocacy group representing the interests of Fulani pastoralists. The incident has reignited concerns about the fragile peace in the area, which has a history of clashes between farmers and herders competing for land and resources.
The details of the incident, as reported by MACBAN’s Benue State Chairman, Risku Muhammed, paint a disturbing picture. Muhammed alleges that the farmer, identified as Bawa Oneh, deliberately laced rice chaff with poison and then invited a herder to graze his cattle on the contaminated feed. The consequences were swift and devastating, resulting in the immediate death of thirteen cows. Seven more animals are currently undergoing veterinary treatment, battling the effects of the poison. This incident follows closely on the heels of another distressing event in which two hundred cows were reportedly rustled just days prior. While swift action by security forces led to the arrest of one suspected rustler, the remaining culprits managed to escape.
The recurring nature of these incidents underscores the deep-seated challenges in the region. While significant progress has been made in fostering peace between farming and herding communities, these recent events reveal the underlying tensions that continue to simmer. The MACBAN chairman commended the prompt response of Agatu LGA Chairman, Melvin James, and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for their efforts in mitigating the fallout from these clashes. He specifically acknowledged the local government and NGOs for providing compensation to herders who have lost their cattle to criminal activities, highlighting a positive step towards reconciliation and redress.
However, the recurring acts of violence and criminality threaten to unravel the hard-won peace. Muhammed pointed out that these criminal elements have been implicated in a string of cattle rustling and killings across various villages within the LGA. He specifically named Olegodege, Utigologwu, Egwuma, Akele, Okwtanobe, and now Ucha as communities affected by these disturbing activities. The pattern suggests a concerted effort to destabilize the region and incite further conflict between farmers and herders.
Responding to the allegations, Agatu LGA Chairman, Melvin James, confirmed the arrest of the farmer in connection with the poisoning incident. He assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway and pledged that the authorities are committed to addressing the root causes of the conflict. James acknowledged the relative peace that has been achieved in Agatu, largely attributed to the diligent work of a dedicated peace committee. He stressed the importance of continuously reviewing and strengthening the peace process to prevent further outbreaks of violence. He condemned the actions of criminal elements seeking to disrupt the fragile peace and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to hold them accountable. James also appealed for increased security presence in the area, requesting the deployment of additional personnel to enhance law enforcement and maintain order.
The gravity of the situation is underscored by the involvement of the Benue State Police Command. Spokesperson Catherine Anene confirmed the arrest of the suspect linked to the poisoning and reiterated that an active investigation is in progress. Anene highlighted the crucial role of the peace committee in Agatu, emphasizing their tireless efforts to preserve peace in a region grappling with a complex history of conflict. The ongoing investigation and the commitment of local authorities, alongside the peace committee’s efforts, offer a glimmer of hope that justice will be served and that the fragile peace in Agatu can be preserved. However, the recurring nature of these incidents serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated challenges that remain and the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address the root causes of the conflict. The incident underscores the fragility of peace in the region and the ongoing need for vigilance, dialogue, and collaborative efforts to build a more harmonious coexistence between farmers and herders.
