The Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as the Amotekun Corps, has announced the arrest of no fewer than 170 individuals for violating the state’s anti-open grazing law over the past three years.
The law, enacted in 2020 and signed by the late former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, was introduced to address frequent clashes between farmers and herders in the state.
Amotekun Corps Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, while speaking on Sunday, noted that the enforcement of the law has significantly reduced tensions between farmers and herders.
“In the first three years, we arrested about 170 violators and impounded over 10,000 cows,” Adeleye said. “The introduction of the anti-open grazing law has helped reduce clashes, especially with the ban on night grazing.”
Adeleye admitted that the Corps initially faced legal challenges in prosecuting offenders but said those hurdles were eventually resolved.
Reflecting on the situation before the law, he described it as dire, with farmers abandoning their lands due to fear of attacks, destruction of crops, kidnapping, and killings by herders.
He also highlighted the Corps’ efforts in promoting peace through education and dialogue. “We received nearly 20,000 petitions in six months. We responded with mass education for both herders and farmers to clarify the boundaries of their operations.”
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To foster understanding, the Ondo State Security network, Amotekun Corps facilitated meetings between farmer associations and leaders of the Miyetti Allah group, emphasizing the government’s aim to restore agricultural productivity and reduce food insecurity.
“Getting everyone back to the farms was tough, but we restored normalcy within a year,” Adeleye added.
