Troops Intervene in Plateau Cow Poisoning Incident, Prevent Retaliatory Attack

Troops Intervene in Plateau Cow Poisoning Incident, Prevent Retaliatory Attack

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have swiftly intervened in an incident involving the suspected poisoning of livestock in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, where 32 cows belonging to a local herder were reported dead under mysterious circumstances.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred in an open field along the Zawura-Jebbu Miango axis, between Dutsen Kura and Jebbu Miango, a region historically prone to ethno-farmer-herder tension.

According to military sources, the affected herder, Mr. Samaila Nuhu, reported that his animals began showing strange symptoms after grazing in the area, prompting suspicions of deliberate poisoning.

Troops under Sector 3 of OPSH, deployed to the scene following a distress call, confirmed that the cattle had already been slaughtered by the herders themselves, in a bid to salvage any usable meat. A subsequent search of the area led to the discovery of suspected poisoned tomatoes and garden eggs scattered across the field. No residential structures were found nearby, raising suspicion that the poisoned produce may have been deliberately placed by unknown individuals.

In response, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander OPSH led a high-powered delegation, including the Chairman of Bassa LGA, the Divisional Police Officer, and other stakeholders, to the site for an on-the-spot assessment. The visit served to calm tensions and forestall any reprisal attacks from the affected Fulani community.

A military source told Zagazola Makama under that the, “The situation was tense but under control. Our engagement with the community, especially the leadership of the herders, was crucial. We made it clear that investigations are ongoing and justice will be pursued through the appropriate channels.”

To further defuse tensions, the military facilitated dialogue with the herders and invited their representatives to an expanded stakeholders’ meeting at the Division Headquarters scheduled for Thursday. The goal, according to insiders, is to build trust and end the cycle of violence through transparency and proactive conflict resolution.

The herders have reportedly agreed not to retaliate, citing assurances from security agencies that their grievances will be addressed. Military authorities are also exploring options to support the affected families with compensation to mitigate their losses and maintain peace in the area.

As at the time of filing this report, the area remains calm but under close surveillance. Troop morale and operational readiness were reported to be satisfactory.

The incident is the latest in a series of provocations that call attention to the fragility of peace in parts of Plateau State, and the ongoing need for coordinated civil-military interventions to de-escalate conflict triggers in rural communities.

Troops Intervene in Plateau Cow Poisoning Incident, Prevent Retaliatory Attack