The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, OYRLEA, has impounded 20 cows during two separate operations in Ibadan over alleged open grazing, residential cattle rearing and destruction of farm crops.
The operations, carried out in collaboration with security personnel, took place at Batake Village along the Ibadan-Eruwa Road and Idi-Iroko in Moniya.
Chairperson of OYRLEA, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd.), disclosed the development in a statement shared on Thursday.
She said nine cows were seized during the first operation on Wednesday, September 30, following a complaint from Adewolu Farms over alleged repeated encroachment by cattle.
The farm is said to produce crops including cassava, maize, yam and cashew.
According to Aderemi, the enforcement team encountered the cattle at the location after receiving the complaint, while some herders allegedly attempted to move the animals away upon sighting the operatives.
She said nine cows were nevertheless successfully impounded.
In a separate operation on Thursday, October 1, enforcement officials moved into the Idi-Iroko area of Moniya, where another 11 cows were seized over alleged open grazing and rearing of cattle within a residential area.
The two operations brought the number of impounded cows to 20.
Aderemi said the enforcement activities were carried out in line with the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019.
She added that the authority would continue to enforce the law while protecting farmers, residents and legitimate economic activities across the state.
“Residents and farmers are urged to report violations through appropriate channels,” Aderemi said.
She assured that legitimate complaints would be investigated and handled in accordance with the law.
The OYRLEA chairperson also appealed to residents to cooperate with security and enforcement agencies by providing information on suspected breaches of the state’s grazing regulations.
