Suspected herders attack Oyo grazing law enforcement team in Okeho

Suspected herders have allegedly attacked an enforcement team of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) during an operation to enforce the state's anti-open grazing law in Okeho, Kajola Local Government Area.

The incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026, in the Ilua area of Okeho, while the team was enforcing the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulations Law, 2019.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Oyo State Government said the first attack occurred at the team's operational point in Ilua, where suspected herders allegedly confronted officers and pointed firearms at them.

Security operatives attached to the enforcement team reportedly took measures to protect personnel before withdrawing from the immediate danger zone.

The team subsequently came under a second attack around the Palace axis as it proceeded along Iseyin Road into Okeho town.

According to the statement, the officers took cover, assessed the situation and adopted necessary safety measures.

The authority said the incident had been reported to the Nigeria Police Force, which was handling the matter.

Reacting, OYRLEA Chairperson, retired Justice Aderonke Aderemi, described the attack as unfortunate and unacceptable, saying it threatened the safety of law enforcement personnel, the rule of law and peaceful coexistence in the state.

She said the authority would continue to carry out its statutory responsibilities while taking necessary steps to protect its personnel and members of the public.

Aderemi also warned individuals and groups against actions capable of disrupting public peace, destroying property or endangering lives.

She urged residents to cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace and security across the state.

Meanwhile, the state government, through the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, called on residents to remain calm and law-abiding while security authorities continued to address the incident.