The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into an alleged case of arson and destruction of farmland involving some cattle herders who reportedly set fire to a 35-acre cassava farm in Adao Village, near Alabata, Abeokuta.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the development in a statement to journalists on Friday, February 21, 2025.

According to the report, Mr. Ogunbayo Adewale, a resident of Raka Village, visited his farmland on February 19, 2025, at around 4:40 PM, only to discover that it had been deliberately set ablaze. He also noticed a herd of cattle grazing on the farm, with several cassava plants already uprooted and damaged.

Odutola stated:

“Upon sighting the complainant, the herders commanded the cattle to flee, but he managed to apprehend one of the cows and brought it to the police station as evidence.”

Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of FUNAAB Harmony Division swiftly deployed grassroots policing strategies to ease tensions and prevent potential ethnic clashes in the area.

Preliminary investigations have since led to the identification of the owner of the seized cow, while Adewale has estimated the total damage to his farmland at ₦27.3 million.

To ensure a thorough and impartial investigation, the case has been transferred to the surveillance section for further inquiries and legal action.

The Ogun State Police Command has urged all parties to remain calm while investigations continue, assuring the public that justice will be served.

“The command remains committed to maintaining law and order, preventing inter-group conflicts, and protecting the rights of all citizens,” Odutola stated.

Authorities have vowed to bring those responsible to justice and prevent further occurrences of such incidents in the state.