Over 100 Cattle Perish Mysteriously While Crossing River Benue

In a shocking incident, over 100 cattle linked to suspected armed Fulani herders reportedly died under mysterious circumstances while attempting to cross the River Benue.

The tragic event took place on Saturday, with reports indicating that many of the animals died due to erosion-induced sand collapse, while others drowned midstream as they swam across the river into Nasarawa State.

According to an eyewitness, Mr. Olikita Ekani, who was returning from his farm that day, the scene was distressing.

“On Saturday, June 14, 2025, I was heading home from the farm and spotted several cow carcasses drifting along River Benue, directly across from Achepe village in Nasarawa State,” he said.

Ekani further recounted seeing a large group of Fulani herdsmen urgently moving their cattle across the river.

“When I approached some fishermen helping with the river crossing, they explained that for the past week, Fulani herders have been moving rapidly back into Nasarawa State. This usually signals an impending attack, a pattern we’ve witnessed repeatedly in this region.”

He added that the community has recorded the loss of over 100 cows during this crossing from Benue into Nasarawa.

A local fisherman, who asked to remain unnamed, confirmed that 64 cattle died on Saturday alone.

“Many of the cattle were killed by collapsing soil as they neared the riverbank, while others drowned during the swim. This is unprecedented — we’ve never seen cattle die in such large numbers in one day.”

He also identified key crossing points used by the herdsmen as:

• Abugbe to Odenyi (Nasarawa State)
• Ocholonya to Akpekpo
• Achukpa to Ijiwo
• Oleg’Ada’Gomowe to Achepe

As of the time of this report, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, had not been reached for an official statement regarding the incident.