The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has impounded 20 cows during enforcement operations in Ibadan for violating the state's open grazing regulations. The operations, conducted with security agencies, took place at Batake Village and Idi-Iroko in Ibadan. OYRLEA Chairperson, Justice Aderonke Aderemi, disclosed the development, stating that the authority is committed to enforcing the regulations.
The first operation was conducted on September 30 at Batake Village following a petition from Adewolu Farms, which alleged repeated encroachment by cattle and destruction of crops on its farmland. The farm grows cassava, maize, yam, and cashew. Enforcement officers and security personnel seized nine cows during the operation despite herders' attempts to take the cattle away.
A second enforcement exercise was conducted on October 1 at Idi-Iroko, Moniya, where 11 more cows were impounded. The authority alleged residential cattle rearing and open grazing in the area. These operations brought the total number of cattle seized by OYRLEA to 20. The authority aims to implement the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019.
The Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, seeks to regulate open grazing and protect farmers, residents, and legitimate economic activities. OYRLEA urged residents and farmers to report suspected breaches of the law through appropriate channels, assuring that all legitimate complaints will be attended to in accordance with the law.
Justice Aderonke Aderemi stated that the authority will continue enforcing the relevant legislation in the interest of residents and farmers. OYRLEA also appealed to the public to cooperate with enforcement agencies by providing information about activities suspected to contravene the state's open grazing regulations.
The enforcement actions were undertaken to address the concerns of farmers and residents affected by open grazing and crop destruction. The authority's efforts aim to promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders in the state. Residents and farmers are encouraged to report any violations to ensure the effective implementation of the regulations.
The Oyo State government, through OYRLEA, is committed to protecting the rights of farmers and residents while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The impounding of the 20 cows serves as a deterrent to those who engage in open grazing and crop destruction, and the authority will continue to enforce the law to maintain peace and order in the state.
Key points
- The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority impounded 20 cows for alleged open grazing and crop destruction in Ibadan.
- The enforcement operations were conducted in collaboration with security agencies to implement the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019.
- Residents and farmers are urged to report suspected breaches of the law through appropriate channels.
