Cattle herders set N27m cassava farm on fire in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command announced on Friday that it has initiated an investigation into an arson case involving cattle herders who are suspected of setting fire to a large cassava farm in Adao Village, near Alabata, Abeokuta, the state capital.
CSP Omolola Odutola, the spokesperson for the state police command, made this known in a statement issued to journalists.
Odutola explained, “On February 20, 2025, Mr. Ogunbayo Adewale of Raka Village reported to the police that when he visited his 35-acre cassava farm on February 19, 2025, at approximately 4:40 PM, he found that the land had been set on fire.”
“Additionally, some herds of cattle were seen grazing on the farm, and 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.”
She further stated that in response to the report, the Divisional Police Officer of FUNAAB Harmony quickly implemented grassroots policing strategies to ease tensions and avert any potential tribal conflict.
Odutola noted that preliminary investigations were immediately launched, resulting in the identification of the owner of the seized cow, while the complainant has estimated the damage to his farmland at N27.3 million.
To ensure a fair and thorough investigation, she confirmed that the case has been transferred to the surveillance section for further inquiry and necessary legal proceedings.
Odutola assured the public that justice would be served and urged all parties involved to remain calm as the investigation into the arson case continues. She emphasized that the command is committed to upholding law and order, preventing inter-group conflicts, and safeguarding the rights of all citizens.