By Abigail Philip David
The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into an alleged arson case involving cattle herders who reportedly set fire to a large cassava farm in Adao Village, near Alabata, Abeokuta.
The state police spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday.
According to Odutola, the case was reported on February 20, 2025, by Mr. Ogunbayo Adewale of Raka Village. He informed the police that when he visited his 35-acre cassava farm on February 19 at around 4:40 p.m., he discovered that the farmland had been set on fire. Additionally, herds of cattle were seen grazing on the land, with several cassava plants already uprooted.
Adewale claimed that upon seeing him, the herders commanded their cattle to flee. However, he managed to capture one of the cows and took it to the police station as evidence.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer of FUNAAB Harmony deployed grassroots policing strategies to de-escalate tensions and prevent any tribal conflict.
Preliminary investigations identified the owner of the seized cow, while Adewale estimated the damage to his farmland at N27.3 million.
To ensure a thorough and impartial investigation, the case has been transferred to the surveillance section for further inquiries and potential legal action.
The police command has assured the public that justice will be served and urged all parties involved to remain calm as the investigation continues. Odutola reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, preventing inter-group conflicts, and protecting the rights of all citizens.
