The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, OYRLEA, has successfully impounded thirteen (13) heads of cattle during a targeted enforcement operation at the Government Farm Settlement, Olowa, in Ido Local Government Area.
The operation followed a formal petition received from farmers in the settlement, who reported massive destruction of cultivated farmlands and crops attributed to unregulated open grazing activities.
Acting on the petition, a team of OYRLEA enforcement officers and security operatives was immediately deployed to the farm settlement, and the team confirmed that the cattle were grazing unlawfully within government-acquired agricultural land designated for crop production.
In line with sections of the Oyo State Anti-Open Grazing Law, 2019, the 13 cows were impounded on the spot to halt further damage to crops and to protect the livelihoods and investments of legitimate farmers in the areas.
Speaking on the development, the OYRLEA chairperson, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi (Retd.), reaffirmed the Oyo State government’s commitment to the full enforcement of the anti-open grazing law across all 33 local government areas.
Justice Aderemi further stated that the action is part of a broader strategy to safeguard agricultural investments, enhance food security, and ensure sustainable land use in Oyo State.
She therefore issued a final warning to all herders and livestock owners currently occupying or grazing cattle within any government farm settlement across the state to vacate such areas with immediate effect.
“The Authority will not relent in its enforcement efforts until all farm settlements in Oyo State are completely free from illegal grazing and total compliance with the law is achieved,” the statement read.
The Authority further urged livestock owners to transition to lawful and modern ranching practices as prescribed by law. It called for cooperation with government agencies to foster peaceful coexistence between crop farmers and herders while ensuring the protection of lives, property, and the state’s food production capacity.
She called on the members of the public to report cases of illegal grazing to OYRLEA through its official channels.
Packaged by Temitayo Afolabi
