OFFICIALS from the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) yesterday confiscated three rams and a cow in the Oluyole area of Ibadan for breaching environmental laws.
The chairperson of the agency, retired Justice Aderonke Aderemi, disclosed this during an enforcement operation, which was carried out alongside the Chairman of the State Environmental Task Force, retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Francis Ojomo.
According to Aderemi, the action followed several complaints from residents of Unique Estate in Oluyole about ongoing environmental violations.
She also issued a seven-day ultimatum to residents of Abidiodan in Lagelu Local Government Area, instructing them to remove all shanties built along road setbacks. These makeshift structures, she said, have become hotspots for criminal activities and illegal operations.
“We’re giving the owner of the seized animals seven days to reclaim them or risk forfeiture, with a fine as an alternative,” she stated.
Reaffirming the agency’s resolve, Aderemi emphasized that enforcement of state laws on sanitation, environmental protection, and anti-open grazing practices had officially commenced. She warned that violators would face prosecution.
She recalled that a statewide sensitisation campaign against street trading and illegal grazing started earlier in January at Bodija Market and has continued since.
“Our current efforts are focused on enforcing compliance after months of public awareness,” Aderemi added.
The enforcement team included members of Operation Burst, the Environmental Task Force, officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Amotekun Corps.