Oyo agency seizes 20 cows over open grazing, crop destruction

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, in collaboration with security operatives, has impounded 20 cows in two separate enforcement operations in Ibadan over alleged open grazing, residential rearing and destruction of farm crops.

The Chairperson
OYRLEA, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd.) on X on Thursday, said the first operation was carried out at dawn on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Batake Village along the Ibadan-Eruwa Road, following a petition by Adewolu Farms over the alleged persistent invasion and destruction of its farmland by cattle.

The farm reportedly cultivates cassava, maize, yam and cashew.

According to OYRLEA, its officials and security operatives stormed the location where the cattle were being kept. The herders allegedly attempted to move the animals away after sighting the enforcement team, but nine cows were successfully impounded.

In a second operation conducted at dawn on Thursday, October 1, at Idi-Iroko, Moniya, Ibadan, the authority impounded another 11 cows over alleged residential rearing and open grazing.

The two operations brought the total number of impounded cattle to 20.

OYRLEA said the operations were part of its efforts to enforce the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, and protect residents, farmers and lawful economic activities across the state.

The authority reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the law and urged residents and farmers to report suspected violations through the appropriate channels.

“Residents and farmers are urged to report violations through appropriate channels,” the authority said, assuring members of the public that “all legitimate complaints will be attended to in accordance with the law.”

Aderemi said the agency would continue to enforce the relevant legislation in the interest of residents and farmers.

The authority also called on members of the public to cooperate with enforcement agencies by providing information on activities suspected to violate the state’s open grazing regulations.