In a shocking incident on Monday, January 27, 2025, a group of herdsmen, with a large number of cows, reportedly entered a five-hectare rice farm belonging to Okegbenro Julius in Ilupeju Ibaro Village, Abeokuta, Ogun State. They caused significant damage to the crops, leaving the owner, Mr. Julius, devastated.
According to police spokesperson Omolola Odutola, the herders fled the scene after realizing they were being watched by a security guard. One of their cows was left behind. “Upon realizing they were being observed, the herdsmen fled the scene, taking most of their cows with them; however, one cow was detained in the process,” Odutola said.
Mr. Julius quickly reported the destruction to the Ilupeju police. In response, Ogun State’s Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, took swift action, directing the local police to hold an urgent meeting with community leaders and representatives from both the farming and herding groups to address the issue.
“In a commendable display of proactive policing, the Ogun State Police Command has successfully averted a potential farmers/herders conflict following the incident,” said Odutola.
The incident occurred around 6:00 pm on Monday, and a security guard at the farm recorded the event on video as evidence. This documentation proved helpful as the herdsmen fled, but the cow they left behind helped in identifying them.
Commissioner Ogunlowo reassured the public, stating that the police would continue working with the community to prevent further conflicts. “We are committed to ensuring peace and adequate safety for all citizens,” he said.
In a separate incident, farmers and herders in Mowe community, Ogun State, managed to resolve a heated dispute on Thursday, January 24, 2025. Tension had arisen after six cows from the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders of Nigeria were killed, and one more was injured. The police promptly arrested a suspect, identified as the Baale of Amu Village, Abiodun Ogunyemi.
To prevent further issues, Commissioner Ogunlowo ordered police to hold talks with community leaders. The result was a peaceful resolution. Both the farmers and herders agreed to reconcile, avoiding future conflicts. As part of the agreement, the villagers have promised to set aside areas for grazing, helping to keep the peace in the community.
With these efforts, the situation in Ogun State appears to be on the path to peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
