Aboso: Thieves allegedly drug goats with tramadol before stealing them

Residents of the Aboso area in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality have expressed alarm over a rise in goat thefts, with thieves allegedly drugging the animals before stealing them. The livestock farmers are suffering significant losses, as the thieves operate covertly during the night. Reports indicate that the suspects mix tramadol or sleeping tablets into the goats' food or fish, rendering the animals weak within minutes.

This makes it easier for the thieves to steal them without alerting the owners. A resident and goat farmer, Kojo Bonsu, reported losing nearly his entire herd of 70 goats to the thieves, leaving only two survivors. Bonsu and several others also blamed the thefts on the zonal council chairman and other locals. Bonsu suspects that some stolen goats may end up with chinchinga (kebab) vendors due to the growing demand for goat meat, but he offered no proof to support this claim.

He expressed worry that the continuous losses could push desperate farmers to seek spiritual solutions through their traditional deities, warning that this could lead to serious repercussions for the community. The farmers have yet to formally report the incidents to the police, partly due to lack of opportunity. Bonsu warned that if the thefts continue, residents may be forced to take collective action with unpredictable community-wide effects.

The situation has raised concern among locals, who are demanding swift action to safeguard their livestock, probe the alleged thefts, and bring the culprits to justice, restoring security in Aboso.