Suspected herders have attacked an enforcement team of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) twice during an operation to enforce the state’s anti-open grazing law in Okeho, Kajola Local Government Area.
The first attack occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the team’s operational point in the Ilua area of Okeho.
According to a statement issued by the state government, the suspected herders confronted the officers and raised firearms against them while they were enforcing the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulations Law, 2019.
The team later came under another attack around the Palace axis as it proceeded along Iseyin Road towards Okeho town. Security operatives attached to the team took cover and adopted safety measures before withdrawing from the immediate danger zone. The authority said it had reported both incidents to the Nigeria Police Force, which was handling the matter.
Reacting to the attacks, OYRLEA Chairperson, Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (rtd), described the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable.“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 said the attacks would not stop the authority from carrying out its statutory responsibilities. She also assured residents that OYRLEA would take 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.
The chairperson warned individuals and groups against actions capable of disrupting public peace, destroying property or threatening human lives. She also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies in maintaining peace across the state.
Meanwhile, Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while security authorities addressed the incident.
Emiabata Deborah Oluwabusiolami
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