Plateau Crisis Escalates: 36 Cows Dead, 42 Poisoned After Mutfwang Outlaws Night Grazing
At least 36 cows were allegedly slaughtered and 42 others were poisoned on Wednesday near the Tafi Gana junction in the Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Bassa LGA, Ya'u Idris, verified the occurrence to Daily Trust.
The chairman stated that the incident took place at approximately 4:30 pm when the livestock was feeding in the region, mentioning that poison had been applied to the garden eggs that were dispersed throughout the pasture and consumed by the animals.
Idris went on to say that they had informed every security agency about the incident, which included the GOC 3 Division, DSD, and the police. He also mentioned that the GOC had personally gone to where the incident took place.
We currently have approximately 78 cows grazing in the region. At present, 36 of these animals have been slaughtered, with the remaining 42 in very serious condition. The fate of these surviving creatures remains unclear because poison-laced garden eggs are spread throughout.
The GOC 3 Division was notified, and he came to inspect the location. He advised against taking matters into our own hands and assured us that an investigation would be launched to identify those responsible for the incident and bring them into custody," explained the chairman.
Nevertheless, he urged members of the Fulani community to stay composed and refrain from taking matters into their own hands, expressing hope that the security forces have the situation under control.
The poisoning of the livestock occurred just two days following the incident in Zikke village where 52 individuals lost their lives and numerous others sustained injuries within the same Bassa Local Government Area. The attackers also set ablaze many residences.
Members of the targeted group blamed the herding community for the murders that occurred on Monday, but this allegation was refuted by the herdsmen.
Major Samson Zhakom, the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, did not reply to an inquiry from our reporter regarding the incident by the publication deadline.
Night grazing banned
Following the assaults on Plateau communities two days prior, resulting in casualties and significant damage to properties, Governor Caleb Mutfwang issued a ban on nighttime livestock movement, animal transport, and motorcycle travel past 7 pm on Wednesday.
This restriction is among the actions implemented by the state administration to stop additional disputes between pastoralist and agricultural groups.
The governor, who disclosed this prohibition during a state-wide announcement on Wednesday, stated: "On the night of Sunday, April 13, the tranquility of Zikke village within the Bassa Local Government Area was violently disrupted when an atrocious assault took place, resulting in the deaths of unarmed men, women, and children."
This occurs as we continue to grieve the heartbreaking loss of more than 50 lives in Bokkos. These assaults are deliberate, ongoing, and distressing.
As a response to these attacks, the following actions will come into force starting Wednesday, April 16th: Grazing at night is strictly forbidden. The transportation of livestock after 7 pm is not allowed, and the movement of motorcycles will be limited from 7 pm to 6 am across the state.
I urge traditional authorities and young community leaders to rejuvenate local watch groups in collaboration with law enforcement agencies. It is essential for us to stand together in safeguarding our territory, always adhering to principles of justice and legal frameworks. Let’s stay composed, alert, and unified.
Prohibition on nighttime cow transport deemed counterproductive -Drivers
Truckers in Jos are expressing their dissatisfaction with the Plateau State Government’s rule prohibiting cows from moving between 7 pm and later hours, labeling this directive as conflicting and unfeasible.
Mahmud Jafar, who works as a truck driver, pointed out that this new policy conflicts with an existing regulation which bans heavy trucks from operating between 6 am and 9 pm.
To be frank, we’re dissatisfied with this progress since there’s an existing regulation prohibiting our mobility between 6 am and 9 pm," he questioned. "When exactly is the government anticipating us to travel?
He pleaded with the government to revisit their decision regarding nighttime travel restrictions.
A fellow driver named Gambo Hamza stated that the contradictory regulations have caused confusion amongst the drivers.
"The declaration prohibiting our travel with livestock after 7 PM goes against current legislation. As a result, we are unable to transport cattle both during the daytime and nighttime hours. We implore the governor to reconsider and modify the timing," he begged.
MACBAN requests reconsideration of the timing of the ban.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has likewise commented, highlighting worries about how the scheduling might affect the economic activities of their members.
The state chairman, Yusuf Ibrahim Babayo, stated that although the association backs policies crafted with genuine intentions, the 7 PM curfew presents challenges.
We do not oppose any governmental decisions made with genuine intentions. Nonetheless, certain members might still be out with their livestock past 7 pm, particularly when they are at the markets.
"He appealed to the governor to change the timing to 8 pm, allowing our community members to get home safely," he stated.
Gagdi: Raiders previously expelled from Zamfara and Sokoto now active in Plateau’s woodlands
Regarding the Plateau situation, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, who represents Pankshin Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituencies in Plateau State within the House of Representatives, stated that it is regrettable how the productive farmlands in regions such as Bokkos, Bassa, Wase, and Mangu have become battlegrounds within the state.
Gagdi, speaking on Channels Television' s Politics Today program, stated that the inability of consecutive administrations to penalize or ensure accountability from leaders of security organizations regarding failures and violations within their regions has led to the increasing security issues currently faced by the nation.
He stated that the recurring Plateau crisis holds various meanings for different individuals based on their specific context and viewpoint.
Gagdi stated that he thinks the assaults and murders in Plateau are mostly carried out by criminals and bandits instead of being driven by community or religious tensions.
The legislator attributed the crisis to the bandits and militias expelled from Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi, who are currently active in the forests along the boundaries between Taraba and Plateau States, particularly in areas like Kanam and Wase within Plateau State.
To tackle the emergency, he emphasized the critical necessity for the administration to establish a combined security unit involving representatives from all tribes in the affected regions, aiming to foster mutual confidence.
Gagdi likewise highlighted the importance of addressing the cattle rustling syndicate, as their actions frequently contribute to crises and retaliatory attacks against unsuspecting individuals.
DIG visits attacked communities
Following the recent incidents in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Kwazhi Bzigu Dali, who is managing operations in the region, traveled to Bassa to evaluate the current security conditions.
DIG Kwazhi carried out both airborne and land-based monitoring of the impacted and susceptible regions before holding discussions with the Chairperson of Bassa LGA, local leaders, and various important participants.
He told the community members that the Inspector General of Police is dedicated to bringing back tranquility, revealing plans for increased security measures such as deploying more Police Mobile Force (PMF) teams, specialized intervention squads, armored vehicles, surveillance helicopters, and various tactical support tools.
Killings on Plateau create national shame - Elders from the North
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has vehemently denounced the killings in Plateau, labeling them as barbarous acts that bring disgrace to the country.
Addressing reporters, Professor Abubakar Jiddere, who represents NEF, condemned the federal government's lack of action.
"The state that previously symbolized unity is now a stage for violence. The federal government needs to send adequately equipped troops right away and guarantee that justice prevails," he stated.
Jiddere stressed that the individuals responsible must be quickly identified, prosecuted, and held accountable.
He also demanded fair compensation for the victims and urged for the establishment of an autonomous investigation committee tasked with making its conclusions publicly available.
NGF denounces new outbreaks of violence, urges for calm
The NGF conveyed their grief regarding the resurgent violence in Plateau State, where multiple fatalities have been reported.
As stated by NGF Chairman Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the organization viewed these incidents as regrettable and a hindrance to the recent advancements in achieving peace.
"We urge community and religious leaders to back Governor Caleb Mutfwang in mitigating tensions and fostering lasting peace. Each life lost is more than just a statistic—it represents aspirations and family units. We must bring an end to this violence," the statement said.
FG restates dedication to addressing insecurity
The federal government has reaffirmed its dedication to bringing an end to insecurity throughout the nation.
At the inaugural quarterly press stakeholders’ symposium for leading media figures in Abuja on Wednesday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris—who was represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace—addressed the gathering, emphasizing current initiatives aimed at bolstering national security.
He indicated recent expenditures on military equipment, staff training, and improved intelligence collection as strong proof of the government's commitment to address security challenges.
As per his statement, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring national security continues to be of utmost importance, concentrating particularly on strengthening and supporting the country’s security framework.
The minister stated that the administration is addressing issues like banditry, insurgency, and terrorism via a well-coordinated and continuous strategy.
He similarly urged the media to assume a conscientious position in combating insecurity, encouraging them not to provide excessive exposure to terrorists and criminals.
In turn, he encouraged journalists to emphasize the courage displayed by the Nigerian Armed Forces and the fortitude of the communities impacted.
Obi tells FG: Offer security, not just assurances
The former Labour Party presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, has called on the federal government to cease releasing statements and to start taking tangible actions aimed at safeguarding Nigerian citizens.
On a post from his X (previously known as Twitter) account, Obi stated: “A country cannot prosper when its people are killed in their own houses with impunity. It is essential for the administration to implement targeted actions and neutralize the organizations responsible for these heinous acts.”
He characterized the assaults as methodical and organized, urging for rapid justice and responsibility.
Supplementary report by Abbas Jimoh, Itodo Daniel Sule & Philip Shimnom Clement
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