The Oyo State Authority for Upholding the Rule of Law (OYRLEA) seized 13 cows during a crackdown at the Government Farm Community in Olowa, within the Ido Local Government area, after local farmers reported damage caused by grazing animals to their fields.
An operation for enforcing regulations took place following the Authority receiving an official request from local farmers who claimed that unrestricted outdoor grazing led to significant harm to their planted crops and agricultural land.
A group of OYRLEA law enforcement officials, along with security personnel, arrived at the location and verified that the livestock was being grazed unlawfully on government-purchased farmland intended for growing crops.
The authorities stated that the livestock was seized following the guidelines set forth in the Oyo State Prohibition of Free Grazing Act, 2019, in order to stop additional crop damage and safeguard the assets and means of living for farmers.
Commenting on the initiative, Mrs. Aderonke Aderemi, Chairman of OYRLEA, emphasized the state administration's dedication to implementing the Anti-Open Grazing Act throughout all 33 local governments.
"The Authority will continue its enforcement actions without pause until every agricultural settlement in Oyo State is entirely free of unauthorized grazing and full adherence to the law is realized," Aderemi stated.
She characterized the implementation as an element of the government's overall initiatives aimed at protecting farming investments, enhancing food safety, and encouraging environmentally responsible land management throughout the region.
The head of OYRLEA additionally delivered a strong caution to ranchers and those keeping animals who are pasturing cows or residing in state-owned agricultural communities, urging them to leave these areas without delay.
"We are dedicated to fully implementing the Oyo State Prohibition Against Open Grazing Act throughout all 33 local government areas. Farmers raising livestock should adopt legal and contemporary methods of cattle management as outlined by the legislation," she stated.
She called on livestock owners to work alongside governmental bodies to foster harmonious relations with farming communities, ensuring safety for people, assets, and the nation's agricultural output.
Aderemi further urged members of the general public to notify the Authority about instances of unlawful grazing via their designated reporting methods.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).