The Oyo State Government, on Thursday, has declared that the anti-open grazing law is still actively enforced in the state.
The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, announced this during an inter-ministerial press briefing held in Ibadan, the state capital.
According to Punch, Olaleye disclosed that more than 58 cows have been arrested in the last two years, while many erring herdsmen were charged in court for violating the law.
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It was gathered that the State House of Assembly had, in 2019, passed the anti-open grazing bill, which was later signed into law by the state governor, Seyi Makinde.
The commissioner warned that anyone found guilty of violating the law would be dealt with.
Olaleye explained further that the State Government had constructed a security post at Ijaye Farm Settlement to strengthen security.
“Oyo is the safest for farmers. We have enough arable farmland. We have the highest number of Amotekun personnel. The state is now safe for farmers who have the intention to go into commercial farming.
“More than 58 cows have been arrested in the last two years. We have imposed fines on many herdsmen for violating the law. We have charged some herdsmen to court.
“The anti-open grazing law is still in force. We have constructed a security post at Ijaye Farm Settlement. So, no farmer has left the Ijaye Farm Settlement.
“In order to ensure food security, we have also talked with some communities to give us their lands they are not using for us to use for agricultural production,” he said.
