Mystery as over 100 cattle die crossing River Benue

More than 100 cattle, allegedly owned by armed Fulani herdsmen linked to ongoing attacks in Benue State, have reportedly drowned while attempting to cross the River Benue.

The incident occurred on Saturday, as most of them allegedly died mysteriously as sand collapsed on them due to erosion, and some drowned while swimming across River Benue to Nasarawa State.

A source, Mr. Olikita Ekani, said he witnessed the incident while returning from his farm on Saturday.

“I was coming from my farm on Saturday, June 14, 2025, and I saw several de@d cows floating on the River Benue opposite Achepe village in Nasarawa State.

“I also saw hundreds of Fulani herdsmen rushing and crossing from Benue to Nasarawa side.

“When I contacted the fishermen who were assisting in crossing the herdsmen from the Benue side of the river to Nasarawa side, they told me the herdsmen have been rushing and crossing back to Nasarawa State the past one week, which is an indication of impending attacks ahead.

“Anytime they are rushing and crossing like this, just know that attacks are imminent. This is what has been happening here for the past one week.”

He said they have lost more than 100 cows as they attempted crossing from Benue side to Nasarawa.

A fisherman who spoke on condition of anonymity said 64 cattle died Saturday alone.

“Most of the de@d cattle were k!lled by heavy soil falling on them when they came close to the land, while some drown while swimming.

“We have never witnessed this kind of mysterious de@th of cattle before.

“Their entry and crossing points are at: Abugbe to Odenyi in Nasarawa State, Ocholonya to Akpekpo, Achukpa to Ijiwo, Oleg’Ada’Gomowe to Achepe.”

The spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached to confirm the incident as at the time of this report.