Drama in Kwara Market as “Stolen” Cows Allegedly Recognise Owners, Expose Suspected Rustler
Ajase Ipo Market in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State was winding down for the day when an unusual scene unfolded that left traders stunned, security operatives alert, and a suspected cattle rustler in handcuffs.
What began as an ordinary livestock trading day on January 11 2026 suddenly turned into a dramatic recovery incident after five cows reportedly reacted in an unusual way upon seeing their alleged owners, ultimately exposing the man who brought them for sale.
The market had been busy as usual. Traders moved between rows of livestock, buyers haggled over prices, and herders struggled to control restless animals as dust rose across the crowded arena. Nothing suggested the evening would end in chaos.
Stolen cattle brought for sale
Amid the bustle was a man later identified as 30 year old Mohammed Jabi, a native of Buju village in Wushishi Local Government Area of Niger State, who resides in Waji village in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
He was said to have quietly tied five cows among other livestock for sale, waiting for potential buyers. Unknown to many present, the animals were allegedly stolen.
At the same time, a group of herders searching for missing cattle reportedly arrived at the market after days of moving from one livestock market to another in search of their animals.
They quietly observed the livestock section without drawing attention.
The moment everything changed
As the herders approached where the five cows were tied, the animals suddenly became agitated. Eyewitnesses said the cows pulled forcefully at their ropes, turned toward the approaching men, and made low sounds as though reacting to familiar figures.
The unusual behaviour immediately drew attention. Traders abandoned negotiations, while buyers and onlookers gathered to witness the scene.
One trader, Danjuma Bature, described the moment as striking.
“What made it even more remarkable was that the herders had not yet claimed the animals,” he said. “But the cows appeared to recognise them first. This is not unusual as cattle are known to recognise their owners. Years of grazing, feeding routines, and constant interaction create strong bonds between them.”
He added that cattle can recognise familiar voices, faces, and routines even after long separation.
Moments later, the herders stepped forward and identified the cows as theirs, pointing out distinct horn shapes and body marks matching animals reportedly stolen earlier. Attention quickly shifted to Mohammed Jabi.
According to Bature, when questioned, the suspect failed to provide a convincing explanation for the ownership of the animals.
Police intervention and arrest
Market authorities intervened and alerted operatives of a Special Task Force set up by the Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu to address violent crimes in Kwara State.
Preliminary investigations reportedly linked the suspect to instructions from a bandit commander identified as Bachujo, allegedly connected to a criminal network operating across forest corridors in Kwara, Niger, and Kogi states.
Security sources said recent joint operations by police and military personnel had increased pressure on such groups, limiting their movement and access to supplies.
Investigators further alleged that the cattle were brought to the market to be sold in exchange for food items and logistics for members of the network.
Mohammed Jabi was subsequently arrested after he allegedly failed to substantiate ownership claims.
Further investigations reportedly confirmed that the cattle had been rustled during earlier attacks.
Cattle returned, investigations continue
The animals were later returned to their rightful owners while security agencies intensified efforts to track other suspected members of the network.
For many traders and residents who witnessed the incident however, what remained most memorable was the unusual way the animals appeared to recognise their owners, turning an ordinary market day into an extraordinary moment.