A yet to be identified group of herdsmen with a large number of cows have allegedly invaded and destroyed a five-hectare rice plantation belonging to one Okegbenro Julius, in Ilupeju Ibaro Village, Abeokuta.

According to a statement by police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, on Monday, the herdsmen who caused extensive destruction to crops, on noticing that they were observed, fled the scene leaving one of their cows behind.

Odutola noted that Julius, the owner of the farmland, reported the incident to the Ilupeju Division of the command.

In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo directed the DPO to convene an emergency meeting with relevant stakeholders, including community leaders and representatives from both the farming and herding communities.

She said, “In a commendable display of proactive policing, the Ogun State Police Command has successfully averted a potential farmers/herders conflict following an incident involving the destruction of farmland in Ilupeju Ibaro Village, Abeokuta.

“According to one Mr. Okegbenro Julius of Favour CDA, Imala Elega, at approximately 6 pm, a group of herdsmen with a large number of cows invaded his five-hectare rice plantation and caused extensive destruction to his crops.

“A security guard employed on the farm documented the incident via video recording as evidence.

“Upon realizing that they were being observed, the herdsmen fled the scene, taking most of their cows with them; however, one cow was detained in the process.”

The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo reassured residents of the state that the command was committed to ensuring peace and adequate safety for all citizens, adding that it would continue to engage all parties involved to foster understanding and prevent conflicts.

In another development, farmers and herders in Mowe community have resolved a dispute.

Odutola disclosed that tension had erupted in the community on Thursday, following the killing of six cows belonging to the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders of Nigeria, Agege Chapter.

According to her, one Alhaji Muhammed, the Miyetti Allah Chairman and Seriki Fulani of Abbatoir, Agege reported that six cows were killed, and one injured, identifying the Baale of Amu Village, Abiodun Ogunyemi, as the prime suspect.

On the information, the police promptly arrested the suspect and launched an investigation into the matter.

Odutola noted that to prevent further escalation, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, directed the Divisional Police Officer in Mowe to engage stakeholders and mediate a resolution.

She added that during the meeting, both parties agreed to reconcile, pledged to avoid future conflicts and as part of the agreement, the villagers consented to allocate designated grazing areas to the herders.