A minimum of nine cattle have reportedly died after eating oranges believed to have been deliberately poisoned and dumped in a grazing area within the Rankum community of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State.
Local sources indicate the incident took place on Saturday. The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State chapter, subsequently confirmed the development to journalists in Jos on Sunday.
In an official statement bearing the signature of its Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, MACBAN denounced what it termed a “senseless and unfortunate” loss of livestock belonging to ordinary herders. The group stated that the incident occurred around 4:00 p.m., at a time when the herders involved were carrying out routine, lawful grazing activities.
The association emphasized that deliberately destroying the livelihoods of pastoral communities is not only cruel but also inflicts serious economic harm on already vulnerable families. It called on security agencies to launch an immediate investigation, track down those responsible, and ensure they face prosecution.
MACBAN also appealed to community leaders, youth organizations, and other stakeholders in the affected areas to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions. The group reaffirmed its dedication to peaceful dialogue as the preferred means of resolving disputes, and urged the Plateau State Government and relevant authorities to take preventive steps to safeguard lives and property and forestall similar occurrences.
The association maintained that harmonious coexistence among all communities in the state remains the only viable and lasting solution.
