Oyo: OYLREA impounds 13 cattle over illegal grazing

Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has impounded 13 cattle during an enforcement operation at the Government Farm Settlement, Olowa, in Ido Local Government Area, following complaints by farmers over the destruction of farmlands by grazing livestock.

The enforcement exercise was carried out after the Authority received a formal petition from farmers in the settlement alleging that unregulated open grazing had caused extensive damage to cultivated crops and farmlands.

A team of OYRLEA enforcement officers, accompanied by security operatives, visited the area and confirmed that the cattle were grazing illegally within government-acquired agricultural land designated for crop production.

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The Authority said the cattle were impounded in accordance with the provisions of the Oyo State Anti-Open Grazing Law, 2019, to prevent further destruction of crops and protect the investments and livelihoods of farmers.

Speaking on the operation, the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi (Rtd.), reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to enforcing the Anti-Open Grazing Law across all 33 local government areas.

“The Authority will not relent in its enforcement efforts until all farm settlements in Oyo State are completely free from illegal grazing and total compliance with the law is achieved,” Aderemi said.

She described the enforcement as part of the government’s broader efforts to safeguard agricultural investments, strengthen food security, and promote sustainable land use across the state.

The OYRLEA chairperson also issued a stern warning to herders and livestock owners grazing cattle or occupying government farm settlements to vacate such locations immediately.

“We are committed to the full enforcement of the Oyo State Anti-Open Grazing Law across all 33 local government areas. Livestock owners must embrace lawful and modern ranching practices in line with the provisions of the law,” she said.

She urged herders to cooperate with government agencies to promote peaceful coexistence with crop farmers while protecting lives, property, and the state’s agricultural productivity.

Aderemi also appealed to members of the public to report cases of illegal grazing to the Authority through its official reporting channels.