Tension continues to mount in Plateau State following the suspected poisoning of 36 cows and the death of 52 villagers in separate but closely linked incidents in Bassa Local Government Area. The rising violence has prompted Governor Caleb Mutfwang to announce sweeping new security measures, including a statewide ban on night grazing and restricted cattle movement.
The latest attack occurred on Wednesday near Tafi Gana junction in Bassa LGA, where herders discovered that their livestock had consumed poisoned garden eggs deliberately scattered across the grazing field.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Bassa, Ya’u Idris, said the poisoning happened around 4:30 p.m. and affected all 78 cows present at the time.
“We had about 78 cattle in the field. Thirty-six are dead, and the rest are in critical condition after eating the poisoned food,” Idris told Daily Trust.
He stated that the association had reported the attack to all relevant security agencies, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, who visited the site and assured them of a full investigation.
“He urged us not to take the law into our hands and assured us that those responsible would be brought to book,” Idris added, appealing to Fulani community members to remain calm.
The cattle poisoning comes just two days after a deadly assault in Zikke village, also in Bassa LGA, where 52 residents were killed, dozens injured, and several homes set ablaze. While local residents blamed the herding community for the Zikke massacre, MACBAN has strongly denied any involvement.
Government Imposes New Restrictions
In response to the escalating violence, Governor Mutfwang announced a series of emergency security measures in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday. These include a ban on night grazing and restrictions on the movement of cattle and motorcycles between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. across Plateau State.
“In the late hours of Sunday, April 13, Zikke village in Bassa LGA came under brutal attack. This occurred while we still mourn the killing of over 50 residents in Bokkos. These attacks are calculated and persistent,” the governor said.
He urged traditional rulers and youth leaders to reactivate local vigilante patrols and work in partnership with security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
Backlash from Cattle Transporters and MACBAN
The new measures have triggered criticism from truck drivers and herders, who say the 7 p.m. cutoff time is too early and will severely affect their operations.
Mahmud Jafar, a cattle truck driver in Jos, said:
“We are already restricted from moving between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Now we can’t move cattle after 7 p.m. either. When are we expected to operate?”
Another driver, Gambo Hamza, described the policy as “confusing and unworkable,” calling for a review.
Plateau State MACBAN Chairman, Yusuf Ibrahim Babayo, also voiced concern over the economic implications of the new directive:
“Some of our members return from markets after 7 p.m. We appeal for the time to be extended to 8 p.m. to allow them to get home safely,” he said.
Lawmakers, Security Agencies, and Groups React
Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, who represents Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, condemned the recurring attacks and called for decisive action to secure the state. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Gagdi attributed much of the violence to displaced bandits from the North-West who have infiltrated forests near the Taraba-Plateau border.
He urged the formation of a joint local security outfit inclusive of all ethnic groups to build trust and restore peace. He also emphasized the need to dismantle cattle rustling syndicates, which often spark reprisal attacks.
Following the recent violence, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Kwazhi Bzigu Dali, visited Bassa for both ground and aerial assessments. He met with local leaders and pledged intensified security deployments, including mobile police units, special squads, armored vehicles, and surveillance helicopters.
National Outrage and Condemnation
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) condemned the killings, describing them as “barbaric” and a “disgrace to the nation.” NEF spokesperson, Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, accused the federal government of silence and demanded action.
“Plateau, once a symbol of unity, is now a theatre of bloodshed. The government must deploy properly equipped forces and ensure justice,” he said.
Jiddere also called for victim compensation and the formation of an independent panel to investigate the attacks.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) joined in condemning the violence. In a statement by Chairman Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the forum expressed solidarity with Governor Mutfwang and urged citizens to remain united.
“These aren’t just numbers—each life lost represents a family and a future. The violence must stop,” the NGF stated.
Federal Government Reaffirms Commitment
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, speaking through the DG of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace, said the federal government is committed to tackling insecurity. He outlined steps being taken under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including military upgrades and personnel training.
Idris also urged journalists to avoid amplifying terrorist propaganda and instead highlight the resilience of affected communities.
Peter Obi Calls for Urgent Action
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, condemned the attacks via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, urging the federal government to take swift and decisive action.
“No nation can thrive when its citizens are slaughtered in their homes without consequences. These attacks are coordinated and systematic,” Obi said, demanding justice and the dismantling of criminal networks behind the violence.