A 41-year-old herder, Musa Lawal, reportedly collapsed after 42 of his cows died under mysterious circumstances in Koroko community, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, has prompted an investigation by local authorities into the cause of the deaths.
According to the FCT Treasurer of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Yahuza Ibrahim, the cattle were taken out to graze by two of Lawal’s sons before they were later found dead at different locations in the bush. Ibrahim said the association suspects the animals may have consumed vegetation contaminated with chemicals, but stressed that this has not been confirmed. Nigerian political analysis
Lawal reportedly rushed to the scene after receiving news of the incident but collapsed upon seeing the dead animals. He was taken to the General Hospital in Kwali for treatment and was discharged the following day after recovering from the shock. National news updates
Kwali Area Council Chairman, Hon. Nuhu Daniel Kwali, described the incident as shocking and said he had visited the affected family alongside Fulani community leaders. He added that the council had directed relevant security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the cause of the cattle deaths.
The chairman also said the council is considering measures to support the affected herder and help prevent any breakdown of peace between farming and herding communities while investigations continue. Authorities have not yet released veterinary or laboratory findings, and the exact cause of the deaths remains unknown.
