Suspected Cattle Rustlers Steal 50 Cows in Kogi Community, Triggering Security Sweep

Suspected cattle rustlers have made away with 50 cows in Gbugbu, a rural community in the Lafiagi area of Kogi State, deepening fears over rising livestock theft in the region.

Police authorities confirmed that the incident occurred on Wednesday, December 18, at about 4:00pm, while two young Fulani herders were grazing their animals on the outskirts of the village.

The herders, identified as Hassan and Husseini, both aged 25, were reportedly ambushed by armed men, who swiftly drove the cattle into nearby bush paths before security could be alerted.

A police source said the attackers struck without warning.

“The attackers struck suddenly and escaped with about 50 cows,” the source disclosed.

The case was formally reported by Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu, 50, alongside Malam Tijani Ahmed, 62, the secretary of the Miyetti Allah association in Lafiagi, prompting an immediate security response.

In reaction to the attack, a joint security task force comprising soldiers, police officers, members of the Village Guard Network (VGN) and local hunters has been deployed to the area. The team is currently combing nearby forests and bush routes believed to be used by the rustlers.

A security official confirmed that active search operations are underway.

“Our men are combing the surrounding areas to track the rustlers and recover the stolen cows,” the official said.

Residents of Gbugbu say the incident has heightened anxiety among both herders and farmers, as cattle rustling continues to pose a growing security and economic threat in parts of Kogi State.

Security agencies have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that efforts will continue until the perpetrators are apprehended and the stolen livestock recovered.