A herder in the Federal Capital Territory collapsed after discovering that 42 of his cows had died under mysterious circumstances in Koroko community of Kwali Area Council, prompting an investigation into the incident amid suspicions the animals may have grazed on chemically contaminated vegetation.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening when the cattle were taken out to graze by two of the herder’s sons. The animals were later found dead at different locations in the bush, with local authorities and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, suspecting they may have consumed grass sprayed with chemicals.
The FCT Treasurer of MACBAN, Yahuza Ibrahim, said the affected herder, identified as 41-year-old Musa Lawal, rushed to the scene after receiving the report but collapsed on seeing the scale of the loss.
He was taken to the General Hospital in Kwali, where he was treated and discharged the following day.
“Immediately we received the report, I alerted the MACBAN chairman, who directed me to proceed to the scene. We discovered that 42 cows had died. We suspect they may have eaten grass that had been sprayed with chemicals,” Ibrahim said.
He said the chairman of Kwali Area Council, Hon. Nuhu Kwali, alongside Fulani community leaders, later visited the family to sympathise with the herder over the incident.
Confirming the development, Kwali described the incident as shocking and said the council had directed relevant security agencies, including the Department of State Services, DSS, and other security operatives, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the mass death of the cattle.
The council chairman added that efforts were also underway to support the affected herder and prevent any tension between farmers and herders in the community pending the outcome of the investigation.
