Dele Olaosebikan
FOR a reason yet undisclosed, a group of herders reportedly set ablaze a 35-acre cassava farmland in Adao Village, via Alabata, Ogun State.
According to Ogun State Police Command, the incident occurred on 19 February 2025. The Command says a case of arson and destruction of farmland allegedly perpetrated by herders was on 20 February 2025, reported by one Mr Ogunbayo Adewale of Raka Village.
Mr Adewale was said to have told Police operatives that upon visiting his 35-acre cassava farmland on 19 February 2025, at about 1640 hours, he discovered that the farmland had been set ablaze. Additionally, some herds of cattle were seen grazing on the farm, even as several cassava plants had already been uprooted.
According to the complainant, upon sighting him, the herders commanded the cattle to flee, but he managed to apprehend one of the cows, which he brought to the police station as evidence.
The Ogun Police Command says in response to the report, the Divisional Police Officer of FUNAAB Harmony immediately deployed grassroots policing strategies to calm rising tensions and prevent a potential tribal conflict.
“Preliminary investigations commenced immediately, leading to the identification of the owner of the seized cow. The complainant has estimated the damage to his farmland at Twenty-Seven Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira (₦27,300,000).”
The Police authority says to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation, the case has been transferred to the Surveillance Section for further inquiries and necessary legal action.
The Ogun State Police Command however assures the public that justice will be served and urges all parties to remain calm while investigation is ongoing. The Command remains committed to maintaining law and order, preventing inter-group conflicts, and protecting the rights of all citizens.
Eighteen-Eleven Media