Ondo State Joint Security Agency codenamed Amotekun has arrested over 200 cows in Oda town, Akure South Local Government Area of the state for flouting the recent ban on open grazing in South West region.

 

This came three months after 100 cows were intercepted and arrested at the boundary of Osun and Ondo states by men of the same agency, for breaching the anti-grazing orders of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu aimed at curbing farmers/herders clashes in the state.

 

Globalvoice learnt that, the cows, were apprehended at a farm in Oda town after a tip-off from the affected farmers.

The victims, whose farmlands were badly destroyed reportedly put a distress call across to men of the Amotekun Corps, who swung into action.

It took the men of Amotekun hectic time before the cows could be marched from Oda town to the agency’s headquarters in Alagbaka.

The Ondo State Commander of Amotekun Corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed the development.

It will be recalled that the Ondo State government has declared that it will no longer allow negotiation for compensation for farm crops destroyed by cows as a result of illegal grazing on farms, saying that government would henceforth prosecute owners of seized cows and auction the animals after getting a court order.

 

Akeredolu, had also reiterated that the state government was not ready to compromise the protection of the Ondo people and their lands amid farmer/herders clashes.

It would also be recalled that 17 Governors from Southern Nigeria, at their forum had resolved to put a ban on open grazing and movement of cattle by foot in the region over cases of kidnapping and killings that have been traced to criminal elements amongst the Fulani herders.