The Oyo State Government has intensified its enforcement of the Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Law, leading to the arrest of several violators and the impoundment of livestock across the state.
Led by the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), the crackdown targets both illegal open grazing and unauthorized livestock trading.
The Chairperson of the Authority, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd.), disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday and made available to journalists in Ibadan.
She cited impoundment of numerous cows, sheep, rams, and goats found violating the law in Apata Olomo, along Ado-Awaye Road in Iseyin Local Government Area.
According to Aderemi, the operation followed complaints from farmers in the community who alleged that livestock belonging to some herders had destroyed farmlands and consumed crops, causing significant losses to their means of livelihood.
“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,” she said.
She explained that an enforcement team led by retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Francis Ojoomo, alongside the Chief of Staff to the OYRLEA Chairperson, Kofoworola Akinbode, and other security personnel, visited the area to investigate the allegations.
Aderemi said the team confirmed the complaints during the operation and discovered livestock openly grazing in contravention of the state’s livestock management regulations.
“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 added.
The chairperson reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to enforcing the law, protecting farming communities and ensuring compliance with regulations guiding livestock management across the state.
Oyo state is among several states that have introduced measures to regulate open grazing in a bid to reduce recurring clashes between farmers and herders, protect agricultural investments and strengthen food security.
The state government has repeatedly warned against illegal grazing activities and directed relevant agencies to enforce compliance with existing livestock management laws.
