At least 20 cows have died in Lokoja, Kogi state capital, under unclear circumstances.
Kogi state government confirmed the incident on Thursday, attributing death of the cows to alleged poisoning.
Subsequently, The state Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Salau Mohammed Tarawa warned the people of the state, especially within the Lokoja environs to stop the consumption of beef in the next one week.
He said that upon receiving the report, officials of the ministry swung into action and recovered some of the dead cows that were in the market for sale.
He disclosed that other cows were said to have been moved to Osara, Ajaokuta, Obajana, Koton Karfe and Kakanda in order to sell them to unsuspecting members of the public.
Tarawa said the ministry of agriculture is already working with security agencies to invite the herders involved for questioning and ensure that appropriate action was taken against them.
The Permanent Secretary, Malam Sani Abdulganiyu, urged members of the public to cooperate with the ministry to address the situation without compromising their health.