Oyo Government “Arrests” 58 Cows, Prosecutes Herders for Violating Anti-Grazing Law

The Oyo State Government has disclosed that over 58 cows have been “arrested” in the past two years, with several herders prosecuted for breaching the state’s anti-open grazing law.

Speaking during an inter-ministerial press briefing in Ibadan on Thursday, June 19, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, reaffirmed the enforcement of the anti-grazing law signed by Governor Seyi Makinde in 2019.

“The law is still in full force,” Olaleye declared. “More than 58 cows have been arrested in the last two years, while many herdsmen have been charged in court for violating the law.”

He warned that any individual found contravening the law would face strict penalties.

To bolster security, the commissioner announced the construction of a security post at the Ijaye Farm Settlement. He also assured farmers and investors of safety in the state, citing Oyo’s large arable land and the highest deployment of Amotekun personnel among southwest states.

“Oyo State is the safest place for farmers,” he said. “We are ready for large-scale commercial farming with adequate security support.”

The state’s firm stance on anti-open grazing laws is part of broader efforts to curb farmer-herder clashes and protect agricultural investments.