Oyo govt impounds 20 cows in operations against open grazing, crop destruction

The Oyo State Government has impounded 20 cows in two separate operations in Ibadan following complaints of open grazing, cattle rearing in residential areas and destruction of farm crops.

The operations, carried out by the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) in collaboration with security operatives, occurred within 24 hours at Batake Village along the Ibadan-Eruwa Road and Idi-Iroko in the Moniya area of Ibadan.

According to a statement issued by OYRLEA on Thursday, nine cows were impounded at Batake Village on Wednesday after Adewolu Farms petitioned the authority over the alleged repeated invasion of its farmland by cattle.

The farm, according to the authority, grows cassava, maize, yam and cashew. The authority said its officials and security personnel arrived at the village at dawn following the complaint and found cattle being kept at the location.

“Upon sighting the team, the herders attempted to move the herd away, but nine cows were successfully impounded.”

In a separate operation carried out by the authority at Idi-Iroko, Moniya, 11 cows were impounded over alleged open grazing and rearing of cattle within a residential area.

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The latest enforcement comes amid a series of operations by the authority against open grazing and cattle rearing in parts of Oyo State.

In September, OYRLEA impounded 10 cows in the Arola area of Apete, Ibadan, following a petition from residents who complained about cattle rearing in a densely populated neighbourhood and open grazing. The authority said its team found evidence supporting the complaints.

Also, in July, the authority also impounded 19 cows in Iseyin after a farmer complained that grazing cattle repeatedly destroyed farmlands.

The authority said its latest operations were part of its enforcement of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019. 

“OYRLEA reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, to protect residents, farmers and lawful economic activities.”