The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), in collaboration with the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and security operatives, has carried out a joint enforcement operation at Akufo Farm Settlement in Ido Local Government Area, following reports of alleged illegal sand excavation on the farm.
The operation was prompted by concerns over the unauthorized excavation and removal of laterite and gravel from agricultural land under the management of OYSADA.
Upon arrival, the enforcement team intercepted a trailer fully loaded with laterite and gravel as it was leaving the settlement. The vehicle was immediately stopped and impounded. Five suspects allegedly connected to the excavation activities were also arrested.
During an inspection of the area, the team discovered multiple points of suspected illegal excavation, some of which were located within existing plantations. The extent of the excavation showed significant impact on the agricultural land.
Of particular concern was a cassava plantation where mature cassava crops reportedly ready for harvest had been destroyed and left to waste as a result of the excavation. This underscores the potential threat such activities pose to agricultural production and food security.
The team also impounded an excavator believed to have been used for the excavation and loading of laterite and gravel. The operator was, however, not found at the scene. Freshly prepared food and other personal belongings were found around the abandoned equipment, suggesting that the operator may have fled shortly before or upon sighting the enforcement team.
According to one of the farmers in the settlement, not less than 50 trailer loads of laterite and gravel were allegedly being excavated and removed from the farm daily. This raises concerns about the scale of the activities and their potential impact on the agricultural development objectives of the farm settlement.
The authorities stressed that the unauthorized excavation and removal of laterite and gravel from government agricultural land is unlawful and constitutes a serious threat to the proper utilization, preservation, and development of the farm settlement.
The five suspects, whose identities are being withheld, have been detained at the Amotekun Corps Divisional Headquarters in the Ido Local Government Area, pending further investigation and their subsequent arraignment before a court of competent jurisdiction.
OYRLEA and OYSADA have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting government agricultural assets, enforcing compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and preventing activities capable of undermining the state’s agricultural development initiatives.
Packaged by Temitayo Afolabi
