Oyo condemns attack on anti-open grazing enforcement team

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Government has condemned an attack on an enforcement team of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) during an operation to enforce the state’s Open Rearing and Grazing Regulations Law, 2019, in Okeho, Kajola Local Government Area.

The incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026, in the Ilua area of Okeho, where the team was conducting an operation against alleged violations of the state’s anti-open grazing regulations.

According to the authority, the first attack occurred at the team’s operational point in Ilua when suspected herders allegedly confronted the officers and pointed firearms at them. Security operatives attached to the team reportedly intervened to protect the personnel and withdrew from the immediate danger zone.

The authority said the team came under another attack around the Palace axis while proceeding along Iseyin Road into Okeho town. However, the officers reportedly took cover, assessed the situation and adopted necessary safety measures.

It added that the incident had been reported to the Nigeria Police Force, which was handling the matter. Reacting to the development, OYRLEA Chairperson, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd.), described the attack as unfortunate and unacceptable, warning that it threatened the safety of law enforcement personnel, the rule of law and peaceful coexistence in the state.

“This attack is cruel and heartbreaking. It is an attack not just on our officers, but on the rule of law and the peace of our dear state,” she said.

Aderemi assured residents that the authority would not be deterred from carrying out its statutory responsibilities, adding that measures would be taken to protect its personnel and members of the public. She also warned individuals and groups against actions capable of disrupting public peace, destroying property or endangering lives.

Meanwhile, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the state government urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while security agencies continued to address the incident. It also called on the public to cooperate with relevant authorities and support efforts to maintain peace and security across the state.