The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority OYRLEA, in collaboration with security operatives, has impounded 20 cows in two separate operations in Ibadan over alleged violations of the state’s open grazing regulations.

The first operation was conducted at dawn on September 30 at Batake Village along the Ibadan-Eruwa Road following a petition by Adewolu Farms over the alleged repeated invasion and destruction of its farmland by cattle.

The farm reportedly cultivates cassava, maize, yam and cashew.

According to OYRLEA, its officials and security personnel moved to the location where the cattle were being kept. The herders allegedly attempted to move the animals after sighting the enforcement team, but nine cows were successfully impounded.

In a second operation conducted on October 1 at Idi-Iroko, Moniya, Ibadan, the authority impounded another 11 cows over alleged residential rearing and open grazing.

The two operations brought the total number of impounded cattle to 20.

OYRLEA said the enforcement exercises were part of efforts to implement the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, while protecting residents, farmers and lawful economic activities across the state.

The authority urged residents and farmers to report suspected violations through appropriate channels, assuring that legitimate complaints would be addressed in accordance with the law.

Justice Aderonke Aderemi, Chairperson of OYRLEA, said the authority would continue enforcing the relevant legislation in the interest of residents and farmers.

She also called on members of the public to cooperate with enforcement agencies by providing information on activities suspected to contravene the state’s open grazing regulations.