The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority has impounded 10 cows over alleged illegal open grazing and environmental nuisance in the Arola area of Apete, Ibadan.

The authority disclosed this in a statement signed by its Chairperson, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd.), on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the enforcement operation was carried out in collaboration with security operatives following a petition by residents of the area over alleged cattle rearing within the densely populated neighbourhood.

The residents also complained about the indiscriminate disposal of animal waste, noise and air pollution, as well as open grazing in the area.

The authority said the enforcement team visited the area in the early hours of Tuesday to verify the complaints and found them to be substantiated.

Eight cows were reportedly impounded at the location, while two additional cows were seized after the enforcement team sighted them tied down and grazing openly along the route while returning from the operation.

The statement partly read, “Acting in the early hours of today, the enforcement team visited the area to verify the complaints and found them to be substantiated.

“The team confirmed that cattle were being reared in a residential environment and established evidence of open grazing, in contravention of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019.

“Eight cows were impounded at the location. While returning from the operation, the team sighted additional cows tied down and grazing openly along the route. Two more were seized, bringing the total to ten.”

OYRLEA said the enforcement was not targeted at legitimate livestock owners but was aimed at ensuring compliance with the law and protecting residents from environmental, health and public safety risks associated with illegal open rearing and grazing.

The statement added, “OYRLEA stated that the action is not targeted at legitimate livestock owners but is aimed at ensuring compliance with the law and protecting residents from environmental, health, and public safety risks associated with illegal open rearing and grazing.”

The authority reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, and urged residents to continue reporting violations.

It assured residents that credible complaints would receive prompt attention.

The Oyo State Government enacted the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, as part of measures to regulate livestock production and curb conflicts and other challenges associated with open grazing.

The latest enforcement comes amid continuing efforts by state authorities to regulate livestock movement and prevent cattle from roaming freely in residential and other prohibited areas.

The authority said the operation was carried out in response to specific complaints from residents and within the framework of the state’s existing legislation.