The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Samuel Egbetokun for allegedly poisoning cows in the Alabata community of the Odeda Local Government Area of the state.
Spokesperson of the command, Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday stated that the suspect had laced cassava with rat poison and tossed it to the cows while they were grazing.
According to the PPRO, two out of the three cows that consumed the harmful substance died instantly while a third is currently undergoing treatment.
“The incident came to light on January 16, 2025, when a 54-year-old man, Idris Lawal, of Akingbasa Village, complained to the local police station,” the statement read.
“His cattle rearer, Boji Sanni, caught a man throwing cassava mixed with a substance suspected to be rat poison to his cattle while grazing on January 15, 2025.
“The rearer reported that before realising the cassava was laced with poison, some cows had consumed it. Consequently, two female cows died, and a third is undergoing treatment. The value of the dead cows is estimated at N1,500,000.
Detectives from the Odeda Division, tasked with conducting a preliminary investigation, combed the area and recovered the poisoned cassava, which was secured as evidence.
“The suspect then reportedly confessed to the crime following his arrest.
“The Commissioner of Police has taken a personal interest in the case, particularly due to concerns about potential retaliation from herders or cattle rearers. He is warning others to refrain from such actions, emphasising that this case will serve as a deterrent,” Odutola said.