Distressed members of the Arola community in Apete, Ibadan, prompted state intervention after filing a petition against illegal cattle rearing, noise, and dirty animal waste in their crowded neighbourhood.
Armed with the formal complaint, the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) and security operatives moved into the area in the early hours of Tuesday, 15 September 2026, to verify the reports.
Officers confirmed the allegations on-site, discovering cattle kept directly inside the residential zone.
The operation resulted in the immediate seizure of eight cows for violating the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019.
Public safety complaint uncovers roadside violations
While returning from the Arola intervention, the enforcement team spotted more cattle tied down and feeding openly along the route. Operatives confiscated two additional animals from the roadside, bringing the total number of impounded livestock to 10.
The petition submitted by the residents highlighted several public health issues, including air pollution, environmental nuisance, and safety risks caused by free-roaming livestock in family neighbourhoods.
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OYRLEA clarified that the operation was not meant to target legitimate livestock owners, but to protect citizens from health and safety dangers associated with illegal grazing in living quarters.
In an official statement by OYRLEA Chairperson, Honourable Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), the authority reaffirmed its determination to strictly uphold the 2019 law.
The agency asked members of the public across the state to keep sending in reports of open grazing in their communities, promising that all credible petitions from residents will receive immediate attention.
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