The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority has seized 10 cows over alleged illegal open grazing and environmental nuisance in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The animals were taken into custody after residents complained about cattle being reared within a densely populated residential area.
The enforcement team visited Arola, Apete, in Ibadan, in the early hours of Tuesday to investigate the complaints.
According to the authority, the team found cattle being kept in the neighbourhood and confirmed that some were grazing openly, contrary to the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019.
Eight cows were initially impounded during the operation.
However, the enforcement officers later encountered two more cows tied down and grazing along the route while returning from the area. The animals were also seized, bringing the total to 10.
The authority said the residents had raised concerns about more than open grazing.
They also complained about animal waste being disposed of indiscriminately, alongside noise and air pollution linked to cattle rearing in the neighbourhood.
Chairperson of the authority, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd.), said the operation was conducted with the support of security operatives.
She explained that the intervention followed a petition from residents and was carried out to determine whether the allegations were valid.
The authority stressed that the action was not intended to punish lawful livestock owners.
Instead, it said the enforcement was designed to ensure compliance with the law and protect residents from environmental, health and public safety risks.
OYRLEA also urged residents to continue reporting suspected violations, assuring them that credible complaints would be investigated.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the 2019 law, which was introduced by the Oyo State Government to regulate livestock rearing and curb problems associated with unrestricted cattle movement.