Ondo Herdsman Sentenced To 10 Years For Breaching Anti-Open Grazing Law And Destroying Crops.
A Magistrates’ Court in Akure, Ondo State, has sentenced a herdsman, Dan-Bello, to 10 years in prison for violating the state’s anti-open grazing law and causing extensive damage to farm crops worth ₦50 million. The landmark ruling underscores the state’s commitment to enforcing regulations aimed at curbing conflicts between herders and farmers.
The court heard that Dan-Bello illegally grazed his cattle on farmlands, leading to the destruction of crops valued at ₦50 million. The prosecution argued that his actions contravened Ondo State’s anti-open grazing law, which was enacted to protect agricultural lands and promote peaceful coexistence. The magistrate, in delivering the judgement, found Dan-Bello guilty on both counts of violating the grazing law and malicious damage to property.
This sentencing comes amid growing tensions in Ondo State and other parts of Nigeria over herder-farmer clashes. The state government has taken a firm stance against open grazing, with the Ondo State Security Network, known as Amotekun, actively enforcing the law. In a related development, Amotekun recently arrested over 250 cows for illegal grazing in Ifedore Local Government Area, with the state vowing to auction seized livestock and prosecute offenders.
The ruling has been hailed by local farmers as a step towards protecting their livelihoods. “This judgement sends a clear message that no one is above the law,” said a farmer in Akure, who lost crops to grazing in the past. “We hope it deters others from destroying our farms.”
Dan-Bello’s conviction adds to a series of legal actions against herders violating grazing laws in Nigeria’s South-West region. In 2021, an Ekiti State High Court sentenced a herdsman to life imprisonment for attempted murder and illegal grazing, highlighting the judiciary’s increasing resolve to address such issues.
The Ondo State government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring compliance with the anti-open grazing law, urging herders to adopt modern ranching practices. As the region grapples with the challenges of balancing pastoral and agricultural interests, this ruling marks a significant moment in the enforcement of laws designed to foster peace and protect local economies.
