The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has impounded 10 cows in the Arola area of Apete, Ibadan, following reports of illegal open grazing and environmental nuisance.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the authority’s Chairperson, Honourable Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd.), confirmed that the operation was conducted alongside security personnel in response to a petition from local residents.
The residents had raised concerns regarding cattle rearing within the densely populated neighbourhood, citing issues such as indiscriminate waste disposal, noise pollution, and air pollution, alongside the prohibited practice of open grazing.
Upon arriving at the site in the early hours of Tuesday, the enforcement team verified the complaints. Eight cows were initially impounded at the scene, with two additional animals seized while grazing openly along the route as the team returned from the operation.
The authority stated that the cattle were being reared in a residential environment, which is a direct contravention of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019.
“The enforcement is not targeted at legitimate livestock owners but is aimed at ensuring compliance with the law and protecting residents from the environmental, health, and public safety risks associated with illegal open rearing and grazing,” the statement read.
The OYRLEA reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the 2019 legislation and encouraged residents to continue reporting further violations, assuring that all credible complaints would receive prompt attention.
This action is part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to regulate livestock movement and prevent cattle from roaming freely in residential and other prohibited areas.
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