A fresh crisis is looming in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State following allegations by Ya’u Idris, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Bassa, that 36 cattle were killed and 42 others poisoned on Wednesday around the Tafi Gana Junction area.
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However, the Plateau State Government, through the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, has refuted the claims.
This comes amid ongoing tension in the region, following recent violence in Zike and Kimakpa communities in the Kwall District of Irigwe Chiefdom, which reportedly claimed over 53 lives, injured many, and left several homes razed.
Idris alleged that the cattle were poisoned around 4:30 p.m. while grazing in the area. According to him, the poison was laced on garden eggs scattered across the grazing field, which the cattle consumed.
“We had about 78 cattle grazing in the area. Currently, 36 are dead, and the remaining 42 are in critical condition. We’re not sure what will happen to them due to the poisoned garden eggs. We’ve informed the GOC 3 Division, DSS, and the police. The GOC even visited the scene and advised us not to take the law into our hands. He promised that those responsible would be investigated and arrested,” Idris said.
In response, Commissioner Ramnap issued a statement expressing concern over the social media reports—particularly one from the GAFDAN media team—claiming that 36 cows belonging to one Mallam Samaila Nuhu were poisoned on April 16, 2025, in the Zanwar Ward of Bassa LGA.
“While the government is deeply concerned about the report, it urges the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading narratives that could inflame tensions or disrupt peace in the area,” the statement read.
Ramnap said that, in line with Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s commitment to justice and peaceful coexistence, the Ministry of Livestock Development, Veterinary Services, and Fisheries has been directed to immediately commence a thorough investigation. A team of veterinary experts, environmental officers, and field investigators has been deployed to the location to collect samples and verify the facts.
“The government remains committed to promoting peaceful cohabitation, inclusive dialogue, and sustainable solutions to long-standing issues related to land use and grazing,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, on Thursday led a delegation of the Forum to commiserate with the Plateau State Government and victims’ families over the recent violence.
During the visit, Abdulrazaq praised the efforts of security agencies in containing the crisis and extended the NGF’s condolences.
“On behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the people of our respective states, I convey our heartfelt condolences on the unfortunate incidents that have led to the loss of lives,” he told Governor Mutfwang.
He urged leaders across communities and sectors in Plateau State to support the governor’s peace efforts and to collectively speak out against violence, emphasizing the need for dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding.
Governor Mutfwang, in response, said the attacks would not deter his administration from pursuing lasting peace.
“This recent event took us by surprise, but we will not relent,” he declared, calling on the Federal Government to secure all 36 states, as “what happened in Plateau could occur anywhere in Nigeria.”
Governors present at the visit included Prof. Babagana Zulum (Borno), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe.
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