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. The incident, which occurred on January 15, 2025, resulted in the death of two cows, valued at ₦1.5 million, and left a third undergoing treatment.
According to the command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, Egbetokun laced cassava with rat poison and threw it to the grazing cows. The cattle rearer, Boji Sanni, noticed the suspicious act but only realised the cassava was tainted after three cows consumed it and began collapsing.
The incident came to light when Idris Lawal, a 54-year-old resident of Akingbasa Village and owner of the cattle, lodged a complaint at the local police station. Detectives from the Odeda Division recovered the poisoned cassava as evidence and arrested the suspect, who reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation.
“The Commissioner of Police has taken a personal interest in the case due to concerns about potential retaliation from herders or cattle rearers,” Odutola said, stressing that the case will serve as a deterrent against similar acts.
This marks the second reported conflict between residents and cattle rearers in the local government area within a week. In an earlier incident at Apitipiti Village, a farmer allegedly attacked a herdsman and injured one of his cattle.
Police have urged community members to seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts, warning against actions that could escalate tensions.
