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The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority has seized 10 cows over alleged violations of the state’s open grazing regulations and environmental nuisance in the Arola area of Apete, Ibadan.
The authority’s Chairperson, Honourable Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd.), disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the enforcement operation was conducted alongside security personnel following complaints from residents about cattle being reared within the densely populated community.
Residents reportedly complained about open grazing, indiscriminate disposal of animal waste, noise pollution and air pollution allegedly associated with the cattle-rearing activities.
The authority said its enforcement team visited the area early Tuesday to investigate the complaints and confirmed that they were valid. Eight cows were impounded at the location, while two more were seized after the team encountered them tied up and grazing openly along the road while returning from the operation.
The statement said, “Acting in the early hours of today, the enforcement team visited the area to verify the complaints and found them to be substantiated.
“The team confirmed that cattle were being reared in a residential environment and established evidence of open grazing, in contravention of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019.”
The authority explained that the additional two cows brought the total number of impounded animals to 10.
“Eight cows were impounded at the location. While returning from the operation, the team sighted additional cows tied down and grazing openly along the route. Two more were seized, bringing the total to ten,” the statement partly read.
OYRLEA stressed that the enforcement action was not directed at legitimate livestock operators but was intended to ensure compliance with state regulations and protect residents from environmental, health and public safety risks associated with illegal open rearing and grazing.
The statement added, “OYRLEA stated that the action is not targeted at legitimate livestock owners but is aimed at ensuring compliance with the law and protecting residents from environmental, health, and public safety risks associated with illegal open rearing and grazing.”
The authority reaffirmed that it would continue enforcing the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, while encouraging members of the public to report suspected violations.
It also assured residents that it would investigate and address legitimate complaints promptly.
The Oyo State Government introduced the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, to regulate livestock production and address conflicts and other problems associated with unrestricted cattle grazing.
The latest operation is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to control livestock movement and prevent cattle from roaming freely in residential communities and other restricted areas.
OYRLEA said it carried out the enforcement in response to residents’ complaints and in accordance with existing state law.
