Tension in Plateau as Suspected Poisoning Kills 36 Cows, Leaves 42 Ill in Bassa LGA

|By Adejumo Adekunle-

36 Cows Die, 42 Critically Ill After Suspected Poisoning in Plateau

 Incident Sparks Tension Days After Massacre Left 52 Dead in Bassa

At least 36 cows have died and 42 others are battling for survival after suspected poisoning in the Tafi Gana junction area of Bassa Local Government Area in Plateau State.

The tragic incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, as the cattle were grazing in the open field. According to Ya’u Idris, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Bassa, the cows consumed garden eggs laced with poison, deliberately scattered across the area.

“We had 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,” Idris told journalists.

Idris confirmed that the matter had been reported to multiple security agencies, including the GOC of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the police. The GOC has reportedly visited the scene and promised a thorough investigation.

“He urged us not to take the law into our hands and promised that those responsible would be brought to book,” Idris said, appealing to Fulani residents to remain calm and avoid retaliation.

The cattle poisoning follows closely on the heels of a deadly attack in Zikke village, also in Bassa, which claimed 52 lives and left several others injured. Entire homes were razed during the assault, which locals blamed on herders—a claim the herding community has strongly denied.

The back-to-back incidents have heightened fears of revenge attacks in the area, where tensions between farmers and herders have persisted for years.

Reacting to the growing crisis, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Wednesday banned night grazing, restricted motorcycle movement and cattle transportation beyond 7 p.m., and called for community vigilance to prevent further escalation.