Anti-Open Grazing Law: Oyo Arrests 58 Cows, Prosecutes Herdsmen

The Oyo State commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, has disclosed that more than 58 cows have been arrested in the last two years, while many herdsmen have been charged to court for violating the anti-grazing law.

Addressing journalists at an inter-ministerial press briefing in Ibadan on Thursday, the Commissioner declared that the state still had the anti-open grazing law in force.

The state House of Assembly passed the anti-open grazing bill in 2019, which Governor Seyi Makinde signed into law.

Declaring that the anti-open grazing law was still in force, the commissioner warned that anyone found culpable of violating the law would be dealt with.

“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 said.

He maintained that the state government constructed a security post at Ijaye Farm Settlement to strengthen security.

According to him, the state is now safe for farmers who intend to enter commercial farming.

Olaleye said, “On the herdsmen attack you spoke about, Oyo State is the safest for farmers. We have enough arable farmland. We have the highest number of Amotekun personnel.’’