A 30-year-old man, Samuel Egbetokun, was arrested for poisoning cows in Ogun State by lacing cassava with rat poison. Two cows died immediately, while a third is recovering. The Ogun Police are investigating the case, which has raised concerns about retaliation from cattle herders.
A 30-year-old man, Samuel Egbetokun, has been arrested by the Ogun State Police for allegedly poisoning cows in Alabata, Odeda Local Government Area. Egbetokun reportedly laced cassava with rat poison, which he threw to the cows while they grazed. Two of the cows died immediately, while a third is undergoing treatment.
The incident was discovered on January 16, 2025, when Idris Lawal, a local resident, reported the poisoning to the police after his cattle rearer witnessed the suspect’s actions on January 15. The rearer, Boji Sanni, saw Egbetokun feeding the poisoned cassava to the cows, unaware of the lethal substance. The dead cows were valued at approximately N1,500,000.
Following the report, detectives from the Odeda Division conducted an investigation and recovered the poisoned cassava as evidence. The suspect later confessed to the crime.
The Ogun State Police Commissioner expressed concern about possible retaliation from herders and cattle rearers and has vowed to use this case as a warning to others. The police are urging individuals to refrain from engaging in similar acts, emphasizing that the case will serve as a deterrent to future offenses.
This alarming incident has sparked significant concern in the community, especially regarding the safety of livestock in the region.
