A 41-year-old FCT herder, Musa Lawal, collapsed and was hospitalised after discovering that 42 of his cows had died in Koroko community, Kwali Area Council, with the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association suspecting the animals consumed grass contaminated with chemicals.
He heard the news. He rushed to the scene. He saw 42 dead cows — and his body gave way.
Musa Lawal, a 41-year-old herder in Koroko community, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, collapsed on Tuesday evening after arriving to find 42 of his cattle dead at various locations in the bush where his two sons had taken them to graze earlier that day.
The FCT Treasurer of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Yahuza Ibrahim, confirmed the incident to reporters, saying the animals were found dead at different spots in the bush at approximately 6:12pm on Tuesday, as reported by Daily Trust. “We suspect they may have eaten grass that had been sprayed with chemicals,” Ibrahim said, adding that he was directed to the scene by the MACBAN chairman immediately after receiving the distress report.
Lawal was rushed to the General Hospital in Kwali following his collapse and was admitted before being discharged on Wednesday after recovering from the shock of the devastating loss.
Kwali Area Council Chairman Hon. Nuhu Daniel Kwali confirmed the incident, describing his reaction as one of shock and sadness. He disclosed that the council had directed relevant security agencies — including the Department of State Services and other operatives — to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the mass cattle deaths.
The chairman also visited the bereaved family alongside Fulani community leaders to offer condolences, and indicated that the council was considering support measures to cushion the herder’s losses and prevent any possible breakdown of peace between farming and herding communities in the area.
The cause of the cattle deaths has not been officially confirmed. Investigation by security agencies is ongoing, with the chemical contamination theory the primary suspicion at this stage.
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