OYRLEA Seizes 18 Cows Roaming Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Oyo
ISSN: 2354-4481
By Nelson Ike Anyanwu
IBADAN, OYO STATE — The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has seized 18 cows found roaming along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway around the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University axis following complaints from residents and motorists over the activities of cattle herders in the area.
The enforcement action was carried out after road users raised concerns about the repeated presence of cattle on and around the major highway, warning that the animals posed a danger to motorists and could contribute to serious road accidents.
According to OYRLEA, its enforcement team initially visited the area to inspect the situation and determine where the cattle were being kept and herded. The officers subsequently returned to the location to carry out enforcement.
However, the herders had reportedly been alerted about the planned operation and moved the animals before the enforcement team arrived.
The Authority said its officers later returned to the area without prior notice in a bid to prevent further evasion. The surprise operation resulted in the seizure of 18 cows found roaming around the location.
The action was confirmed by the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Honourable Justice Aderonke A. Aderemi (Rtd.), who said the Authority would continue to enforce laws designed to protect public safety and maintain order across Oyo State.
Justice Aderemi said the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, being an important transportation and economic corridor, could not be allowed to become a grazing area.
“This confiscation sends a clear message that Oyo State will enforce its laws without fear or favour. The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway is a critical economic corridor and must not be turned into grazing fields. Anyone found flouting traffic and environmental regulations will face the full weight of the law,” she said.
She explained that the enforcement was part of the Authority’s response to complaints from members of the public and its broader responsibility to address activities capable of endangering lives, obstructing traffic or creating public nuisance.
The OYRLEA chairperson further assured residents and road users that the Authority would sustain targeted enforcement operations in areas where activities threaten public safety or obstruct the free movement of people and vehicles.
She also encouraged members of the public to report activities that constitute threats to safety, obstruction of public roads or other forms of nuisance, assuring that credible complaints would receive prompt attention.
The seizure comes amid continuing concerns over the movement of cattle along major roads in parts of Nigeria, particularly where animals are allowed to stray onto busy highways. Such incidents can create sudden obstacles for motorists and increase the risk of collisions.
The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway is one of Nigeria’s busiest inter-state highways, linking Lagos with Ibadan and serving as a major route for commercial and passenger traffic between the South-West and other parts of the country.
OYRLEA said its enforcement activities would continue as part of efforts to protect lives and property, ensure the free flow of traffic and uphold the rule of law in Oyo State.
News Background Location: Abiola Ajimobi Technical University axis, Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Oyo State, Nigeria.
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