A group of herdsmen with a large number of cows allegedly invaded and destroyed a five-hectare rice plantation belonging to one Okegbenro Julius, in Ilupeju Ibaro Village, Abeokuta.
According to a statement by police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, on Monday, January 27, the herdsmen who caused extensive destruction to crops, on noticing that they were observed, fled the scene leaving one of their cows behind.
Odutola noted that Julius, the owner of the farmland, reported the incident to the Ilupeju Division of the command.
In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo directed the DPO to convene an emergency meeting with community leaders and representatives from both the farming and herding communities.
She said, “In a commendable display of proactive policing, the Ogun State Police Command has successfully averted a potential farmers/herders conflict following an incident involving the destruction of farmland in Ilupeju Ibaro Village, Abeokuta.
“According to one Mr Okegbenro Julius of Favour CDA, Imala Elega, at approximately 6 pm, a group of herdsmen with a large number of cows invaded his five-hectare rice plantation and caused extensive destruction to his crops.
“A security guard employed on the farm documented the incident via video recording as evidence.
“Upon realizing that they were being observed, the herdsmen fled the scene, taking most of their cows with them; however, one cow was detained in the process.”
The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo reassured residents of the state that the command was committed to ensuring peace and adequate safety for all citizens, adding that it would continue to engage all parties involved to foster understanding and prevent conflicts.