Suspected herders attack Oyo enforcement team during grazing law operation

Suspected herders have allegedly attacked an enforcement team of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) during an operation to enforce the state’s anti-open grazing law 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 enforcing the provisions of the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulations Law, 2019.
In a statement issued on Friday, the state government said the first attack occurred at the team’s operational point in Ilua, where suspected herders allegedly confronted the officers and raised firearms against them.

Security operatives attached to the team reportedly took measures to protect personnel and withdrew from the immediate danger zone.

The enforcement team subsequently came under a second attack around the Palace axis as it proceeded along Iseyin Road into Okeho town.

According to the statement, the officers took cover, assessed the situation and adopted necessary safety measures.The authority disclosed that the incident had been reported to the Nigeria Police Force, which was handling the matter.

Reacting, OYRLEA Chairperson, Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (rtd), described the attack as unfortunate and unacceptable, saying it threatened not only the safety of law enforcement personnel but also 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 continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities while taking necessary measures to protect its personnel and members of the public.

“We want to assure all citizens of their safety while we carry out our operations. We will not be deterred,” she added.

She warned individuals and groups against actions capable of disrupting public peace, destroying property or threatening human lives, stressing that the state would not tolerate conduct that undermined law and order.

The OYRLEA chairperson also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace and security across the state.

The state government, through the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding while security authorities continued to address the incident.