Jos, Plateau State — July 1, 2025 — Alhaji Nasiru Sani, Manager of the Galambi Cattle Ranch, has cautioned farmers against indiscriminate use of pesticides and herbicides, warning that any chemical application resulting in cattle deaths could spark serious conflict with herders.
Sani’s comments come amid mounting tensions between herders and farmers across parts of Plateau State, where recent incidents have seen livestock poisoned after grazing on farms treated with pesticides. Addressing reporters on Tuesday, he noted that such occurrences are perceived as deliberate threats to herder livelihoods and warned they could “trigger an issue” if not addressed promptly.
The dispute reflects a broader pattern across Nigeria, where herders’ cattle have occasionally consumed toxic crops in fields sprayed for pest control. In cases like Mangu Local Government, more than two dozen cattle are said to have died after grazing on pesticide-treated farms near INEC offices, prompting accusations of sabotage from both sides .
Farmers often apply pesticides on produce like tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. However, herders maintain that their cattle, when allowed to graze on treated farms—often due to trespass—are victims of indiscriminate chemical application, not intentional poisoning .
Sani urged all parties to exercise caution: farmers must ensure clear boundary demarcations and minimize toxic run-off, while herders are expected to control their cattle to prevent inadvertent entry into sprayed fields. He stressed mutual responsibility and warned that each incident could reignite long-running herders-farmers tensions in rural communities.
Experts stress the complexity of the herders-farmers conflict, which is exacerbated by environmental pressures such as desertification and competition for shrinking grazing land . 2053-0Meanwhile, agricultural stakeholders in the North‑East have experimented with animal repellents to protect crops in heavily grazed zones .