Six cows poisoned as attacks on pastoral livelihoods escalate in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

A series of coordinated attacks targeting cattle and Fulani settlements across Plateau State has intensified fears of a widening reprisal cycle, with the latest incident involving the poisoning of six cows in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA).

On Feb. 11 at about 8:30 a.m., six cows belonging to Alhaji Bello Haruna and Iliya Yusuf, both of Rwam Village in Mushere District, Bokkos LGA, were reportedly poisoned at Tulus and Rwam villages. Two of the cows died instantly, while four others were slaughtered after showing signs consistent with poisoning.

In the same development, Militia suspected to be from the Birom ethnic group attacked a Fulani settlement in Tulus Village, Horop, setting ablaze two houses belonging to Kadiri Adamu and Hashimu Adamu. Community sources said the coordinated targeting of livestock and residences indicated deliberate mischief designed to provoke tension and displacement.

The Bokkos incident followed an earlier case in Riyom LGA. The Fulani community in Riyom reported that a cow belonging to Anas Likita, a resident of Luggere in Jol Ward, was attacked and seriously injured by individuals suspected to be youths from Jol community.

Abdullahi Yusuf, the Leader of the Fulani community in Riyom, while calling for calm, condemned the act and commended the swift response of Operation Rainbow personnel stationed in Jol, who assisted in evacuating the injured cow to its owner. They also praised Operation Enduring Peace, Sector 6, for timely intervention and professional handling of the situation, urging residents to remain calm and allow security agencies to investigate.

“Such incidents only increase tension and undermine ongoing efforts toward peace and stability in Riyom LGA,” the community said in a statement signed by Abdullahi Yusuf on Feb. 9.

Zagazola report that the latest incidents align with a disturbing pattern of systematic attacks on pastoral assets across Plateau State.

On Feb. 2, one cow was shot dead at Weren Camp, Riyom LGA, while three others were poisoned in Kwi Village. Reports said toxic substances were concealed inside oranges and deliberately placed along grazing fields. The attack occurred in the afternoon, and the assailants escaped immediately after the shooting.

Also on Feb. 2 in Kwi Village, three cows were poisoned using what veterinary sources described as a sophisticated method: toxic substances hidden inside oranges placed along known grazing paths. The cattle ingested the poisoned fruits and collapsed. The method was assessed as deliberate, malicious and targeted.

The sophistication of hiding poison in oranges suggests premeditation and an intent to kill livestock without direct confrontation,” a local veterinary officer said. The attackers fled immediately after the shooting at Weren Camp, leaving the community in fear and uncertainty.

The pattern of attacks intensified in December 2025. On Dec. 12, armed elements attacked Nding Community in Fan District, Barkin Ladi LGA, and rustled approximately 137 cattle belonging to three herders. The attackers were heavily armed, operated in groups and drove the cattle into forested terrain.

Barely 24 hours later, on Dec. 13, at Kukukah Community in Jos East LGA, 34 cows were rustled by armed assailants. That same day, in Kwi Village, Riyom LGA, nine cows reportedly died after ingesting poisoned substances, following earlier rustling incidents. Community leaders said the sequence of events suggested emerging reprisal dynamics.

On Dec. 16, armed Fulani bandits attacked an illegal mining site at Tosho Community, Fan District, Barkin Ladi LGA, allegedly to recover previously rustled cattle. The attack resulted in 12 fatalities, three abductions and several injuries, and triggered further retaliatory violence across the zone.

Between Dec. 18 and 19, retaliatory attacks were reported in Dorong Village, Foron District, Barkin Ladi LGA, where four children were killed, and in Gero Village, Jos South LGA, where additional livestock were killed in reprisal actions.

On Dec. 27, five Fulani youths returning from Kara Cattle Market were ambushed along Bukuru Express Road near Angle D in Jos South LGA. The victims sustained critical gunshot wounds and were evacuated to the Jos University Teaching Hospital for emergency treatment.

The attacks are increasingly targeted, symbolic and livelihood-destructive. The objective appears to be forced displacement of pastoralists in Plateau state and demographic pressure in affected LGAs.

Zagazola report that the cumulative intelligence points to a structured escalation cycle, livestock poisoning leads to cattle rustling, which in turn triggers retaliatory raids and civilian casualties.

While armed militias and bandit elements are exploiting grievances. Weak deterrence is allowing non-state actors especially those inaugurated by the Plateau state government to function as de facto security forces in some rural areas, thereby committing heinous atrocities under the guise of protecting communities.

Zagazola warned that failure to decisively interrupt the cycle risks normalising reprisal attacks, expanding militia influence and eroding state authority.

Six cows poisoned as attacks on pastoral livelihoods escalate in Plateau