Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have swiftly intervened in an incident involving the suspected poisoning of livestock in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, where 32 cows belonging to a local herder were reported d3ad.
Intelligence sources told security analyst, Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 in a field along the Zawura-Jebbu Miango axis, between Dutsen Kura and Jebbu Miango, a region historically prone to ethno-farmer-herder tension.
According to military sources, the affected herder, Mr. Samaila Nuhu, reported that his animals began showing strange symptoms after grazing in the area, prompting suspicions of deliberate poisoning.
Troops under Sector 3 of OPSH, deployed to the scene following a distress call, confirmed that the cattle had already been slaughtered by the herders themselves, in a bid to salvage any usable meat.
A subsequent search of the area led to the discovery of suspected poisoned tomatoes and garden eggs scattered across the field.
No residential structures were found nearby, raising suspicion that the poisoned produce may have been deliberately placed by unknown individuals.
In response, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander OPSH led a high-powered delegation, including the Chairman of Bassa LGA, the Divisional Police Officer, and other stakeholders, to the site for an on-the-spot assessment.
The visit served to calm tensions and forestall any reprisal attacks from the affected Fulani community.
