Oyo State Government Arrests Suspected Herders After Devastating 5.4 Acres of Cassava Farmland – Crackdown Underway

🚨 Oyo State Cracks Down on Suspected Herders in Massive Cassava Farm Destruction

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has confirmed the arrest of suspected herders and several rams over the alleged destruction of *5.4 acres of cassava farmland* situated on *Ogun‑Osun River Basin Development Authority land* in Nikko, Iseyin, Oyo State. The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, July 11, 2025, after previous pleas to prevent reoccurrence were ignored by the herders.

🧑‍🌾 Farm Owners Speak Out

Mr. AbdulRazak Akadi, Secretary of the Farmers Association at the Middle Ogun Irrigation Project, expressed relief at the arrests, noting the recurring destruction despite earlier warnings. Farmers revealed that this land had suffered two separate attacks within a month.

👮️ Enforcement Action & Legal Response

Oyo State Government Arrests Suspected Herders After Devastating 5.4 Acres of Cassava Farmland – Crackdown Underway

🚨 Oyo State Cracks Down on Suspected Herders in Massive Cassava Farm Destruction

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has confirmed the arrest of suspected herders and several rams over the alleged destruction of *5.4 acres of cassava farmland* situated on *Ogun‑Osun River Basin Development Authority land* in *Nikko, Iseyin*, Oyo State. The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, July 11, 2025, after previous pleas to prevent reoccurrence were ignored by the herders.

🧑‍🌾 Farm Owners Speak Out

Mr. AbdulRazak Akadi, Secretary of the Farmers Association at the Middle Ogun Irrigation Project, expressed relief at the arrests, noting the recurring destruction despite earlier warnings. Farmers revealed that this land had suffered two separate attacks within a month.

👮️ Enforcement Action & Legal Response

Under the leadership of Retired DCP Ojomo and members of the enforcement team led by Mrs. I.E. Akinbode, OYRLEA responded swiftly to distress calls. Several cows were seized, and suspect Alhaji Amosa was apprehended for trespassing and violating anti-open grazing laws. Legal proceedings have commenced, and the livestock have been moved under the custody of the Ministry of Agriculture.

🌱 Widespread Agricultural Threat in Southwest Nigeria

Cassava and other crop farms across Oyo and neighboring states have suffered multiple attacks. In recent years:

- In Ogun State, herders allegedly set ablaze a ₦27.3 million cassava farm on 35 acres in Adao village.

- Oyo farmers previously lost produce on 155 acres due to unlawful herder invasion. 

- Guards and local security often face threats from herders, who carry weapons and intimidate even vigilante teams. Samsung cases exposed threats of foreign militia involvement.

⚠️ Root Causes: Open Grazing & Enforcement Gaps

Despite anti‑open grazing laws enacted in several Southwest states, enforcement remains inconsistent. According to interviews with farmers and security officials, herders continuously breach boundaries, citing climate change and shrinking grazing lands as drivers of migration. Experts highlight systemic failures in enforcing policies and prosecuting offenders.

This incident underscores an urgent need for:

- Stronger enforcement of anti-grazing laws  

- Clear land demarcation and farm boundaries  

- Peaceful negotiation and local conflict resolution between farmers and herders  

- *Comprehensive support* for affected farmers and agricultural investors

Without these, food production and rural livelihoods continue to face existential threats across the region.

Follow closely as we track developments in this escalating agricultural security crisis.