By Kehinde Okeowo
One Abdullahi Sanni, his cousin, and their cows have been arrested by men of the Ondo State Security Network Agency codenamed “Amotekun” Corps, for violating the new Anti-open grazing law in the state.
The two herdsmen were arrested after their cows grazed on the farms of some residents of Iju town, in Akure North Local Government Area of the state.
They now risk three years imprisonment or payment of a minimum of one hundred thousand naira (N100, 000) fine to the farm owners going by the letters of the new Anti-open grazing law.
The new law was promulgated in the state this year, after the State House of Assembly, passed the law to criminalize open grazing in the state, and the Governor signed it into law.
Open grazing in the state has frequently led to clashes between famers and herders, and kidnappers have hidden under the shadow of open grazing to do their nefarious activities, hence the need for the law.
The state Corps Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, while speaking on the incidence, said that despite the promulgation of the Anti-open grazing law by the state government, herders have continued in their old ways.
“You are aware that the Anti-open grazing law is fully in place, and some of you are still running foul of this law.
“We have a number of farmers and herders here with us and we are making them comply with the enacted law which stipulates penalty for defaulting herders.
“The position of the law is that, if they choose to go to court, we would implement the law as it was stated, which stipulates the minimum of one hundred thousand naira (N100, 000) fine or three years imprisonment.
“In most cases, you would see them pleading that such a thing would not happen again.
“We have also implored them to educate other members of the Miyetti Allah, that Anti-open grazing Law of Ondo State is fully in place,” the Amotekun boss said.
He said second time violators will henceforth, be prosecuted by the state
“When it is done the second time, the person would go to court to receive the full weight of the Law.
“I want to implore the herders to abide by this law and should endeavour to move their cattle and cows with the use of trucks.
“This is because most of the time, they operate under the guise that they are moving from one settlement to another. The provisions of the law says that they should move them in truck.
“It is still the reinforcement of the Anti- Open grazing Law of cattle and cows in the state. It is in full force and the Ondo State Security Network Agency is resolute about enforcing the law,” he further concluded.
The two suspects, who had lived in Iju Community for a while, are expected to compensate the farm owners through an out of court settlement, being a first offender. They are also to pay a specified amount into government purse.
While responding to the allegation, Sanni and his cousin, agreed to compensate the farmers for damaging their farms.
“We have been co-existing peacefully in this community and we don’t want any trouble with the state government. They have shown us love by accepting us and we are ready to settle out of court and pay any specified amount for damages done the farmlands,”they said.
The farmers, speaking through one of their own, Lanre Tioluwanise, applauded the state government’s gesture and claimed it will bring succour to farmers in the state.
“I am glad because the herders have agreed to pay the specified amount to me for the destruction of my farmland and I know this will serve as a deterrent to others,” Tioluwanise said.
Citizens of the state have fully backed the new Anti-grazing law. They believe it will go a long way in curbing farmers and headers clashes and kidnapping, while also ensuring food security.