Security operatives and officials from the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) have seized twenty cows across two dawn operations targeting illegal open grazing, residential livestock rearing, and crop destruction in Ibadan.
The crackdown follows the enforcement of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, which aims to protect agricultural investments and local communities. The first operation took place early on Wednesday, 30 September, at Batake Village along the Ibadan–Eruwa Road.
Authorities intervened after Adewolu Farms petitioned the agency over alleged “persistent invasion and destruction of its farmland by cattle”, which damaged cassava, maize, yam, and cashew crops. Although herders tried to drive the herd away when officers arrived, nine cattle were secured.
A second raid was launched early on Thursday, 1 October, at Idi-Iroko in Moniya, Ibadan, where security personnel impounded an additional eleven cows for unlawful residential rearing and open grazing.
Writing on social media on Thursday, OYRLEA Chairman, retired Justice Aderonke Aderemi, reaffirmed the agency’s determination to enforce state legislation to safeguard residents and agricultural livelihoods. Emphasising public cooperation, the authority stated that “residents and farmers are urged to report violations through appropriate channels,” promising that “all legitimate complaints will be attended to in accordance with the law.”