The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended a 30-year-old man, Samuel Egbetokun, for allegedly poisoning cows in the Alabata community, located in the Odeda Local Government Area of the state.
According to the police, the incident, which occurred on January 15, 2025, resulted in the death of two cows, while a third is receiving treatment.
The cows reportedly consumed cassava laced with rat poison that the suspect had thrown into their grazing area.
The value of the deceased cattle is estimated at ₦1.5 million.
Omolola Odutola, the police spokesperson, explained that the matter was reported by Idris Lawal, a 54-year-old resident of Akingbasa Village.
Lawal’s cattle rearer, Boji Sanni, initially noticed the suspect tossing cassava to the grazing animals but only discovered it was poisoned after the cows started collapsing.
Detectives from the Odeda Division launched an investigation, recovering the poisoned cassava as evidence.
Egbetokun was arrested and later confessed to the act.
“The Commissioner of Police is closely monitoring this case to prevent possible retaliation by herders or cattle owners,” Odutola said.
“This incident serves as a warning to others to avoid such actions.”
This is the second reported clash between residents and herders in Odeda within a week.
Earlier, a farmer in Apitipiti Village was accused of attacking a herder and injuring one of his cattle.
