The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has intensified its crackdown on illegal open grazing and unauthorized livestock rearing, impounding animals found grazing in violation of state regulations in Apata Olomo, along Ado-Awaye Road in Iseyin Local Government Area.
Operation Details
Chairperson of the authority, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd.), disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan. Aderemi said the operation was prompted by complaints from farmers in the community, who alleged that livestock belonging to some herders had encroached on farmlands, destroyed crops, and threatened their means of livelihood.
According to Aderemi, the enforcement team, led by retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Francis Ojoomo and accompanied by the Chief of Staff to the chairperson, Kofoworola Akinbode, as well as other security personnel, visited the area to verify the allegations. She stated that the team confirmed the complaints during the operation, discovering livestock grazing openly in breach of the state's livestock management regulations.
Verification and Impoundment
“The enforcement operation was initiated following petitions received from farmers within the community, who alleged that the activities of some herders had led to the destruction of farmlands and the consumption of agricultural produce by livestock, thereby affecting their livelihoods,” Aderemi said. She added that some of the animals found grazing illegally were subsequently impounded by the enforcement team.
“During the operation, the allegations were verified as the team discovered livestock openly grazing in violation of the state's regulations on open grazing and livestock control. This led to the impoundment of some of the animals by the enforcement team,” she said.
Commitment to Law Enforcement
The chairperson reiterated the authority's commitment to enforcing extant laws, safeguarding farming communities, and ensuring compliance with regulations governing livestock management across the state. Oyo is among states that have adopted measures aimed at regulating open grazing, reducing recurring conflicts between farmers and herders, protecting agricultural investments, and enhancing food security. The state government has repeatedly warned against illegal grazing practices and directed relevant agencies to enforce compliance with livestock management laws.
