National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Chibuzor Alli
The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into a disturbing case of arson and farmland destruction allegedly carried out by herders in Adao Village, near Alabata.
The unsettling incident reportedly occurred on February 19, 2025, prompting urgent police action.
According to Mr. Ogunbayo Adewale, a farmer from nearby Raka Village, he was met with devastation upon visiting his 35-acre cassava farm.
“I went to check on my farm and was shocked to find it set ablaze,” he lamented, noting that herds of cattle were grazing on his burnt land.
“Many of my cassava plants were uprooted and destroyed,” he added, clearly distraught by the significant loss.
Adewale reported the incident at the police station, detailing how the herders hastily commanded their cattle to flee upon his arrival.
In a bid to gather evidence, he managed to apprehend one of the cows and presented it to the authorities.
“I had to bring the cow to the station to show what had happened to my farm,” he stated.
Responding swiftly to the situation, the Divisional Police Officer of FUNAAB Harmony implemented grassroots policing measures to help ease tensions in the affected community and to prevent potential tribal conflicts.
As she noted, “We understand the gravity of the situation and are committed to maintaining peace in the area.”
Following the report, preliminary investigations kicked off immediately, leading to the identification of the owner of the seized cow.
Mr. Adewale estimated the damages to his farm at a staggering Twenty-Seven Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira (₦27,300,000).
The case has now been escalated to the Surveillance Section of the Ogun State Police Command for thorough investigation and necessary legal action.
Police Public Relations Officer CSP Omolola Odutola assured the public, stating, “We are committed to ensuring justice is served.
We urge all parties to remain calm as we work through this matter.”
As the investigation unfolds, residents of Adao Village and surrounding areas are advised to keep an eye on official updates from the Ogun State Police to stay informed about the latest developments.
