In a firm move to enforce environmental and public safety laws, the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) on Wednesday impounded three rams and a cow in the Oluyole area of Ibadan.
The animals were seized following multiple complaints from residents over illegal grazing and public nuisance within residential estates.
The Chairperson of OYRLEA, retired Justice Aderonke Aderemi, made this known while leading a high-powered enforcement operation to the area.
She was joined by retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Francis Ojomo, who heads the state’s Environmental Task Force.
Justice Aderemi stated that the enforcement action was triggered by petitions from residents of Unique Estate in Oluyole, where the roaming livestock had become a recurring problem.
“We are giving the owner of the rams and cow a seven-day grace period to come forward and claim the animals, failing which they will be forfeited and possibly auctioned, in addition to facing a fine,” she said.
Beyond animal control, the agency also issued a stern warning to occupants of shanties along road setbacks in Abidiodan, Lagelu Local Government Area.
The makeshift structures, according to authorities, have become safe havens for criminal activity and pose serious risks to public safety.
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“The residents have seven days to vacate these illegal structures. After that, enforcement will be carried out without further notice,” Aderemi warned.
She emphasized that the crackdown is part of a broader operation to uphold Oyo State’s environmental and public safety regulations.
These include anti-street trading, anti-open grazing, and general sanitation laws.
“You may recall that our sensitization campaign began as far back as January with a major awareness drive at Bodija Market. We are now fully transitioning into enforcement mode,” she explained.
The task force was reinforced by officers from Operation Burst, the Amotekun Corps, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and other relevant agencies.
Residents in affected areas have been urged to comply promptly, as violators risk prosecution under the state’s environmental and security laws.