The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has arrested 42 cows on the allegation of destroying farmlands situated in Alagbaka Extension, Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Chief Adetunji Adeleye, State Commander, Amotekun Corps, said this while conducting journalists round the affected farmlands.
Adeleye explained that the cows were arrested by Amotekun corps after a series of complaints by owners of the farmlands in the area.
He disclosed that more than eight separate farmlands with crops such as maize and cassava were completely destroyed by herdsmen who usually grazed their cows around the affected area.
The commander said the herders, who were heavily armed, chased away the farm owners who later contacted the corps.
“On seeing the owners of the affected farmlands, the heavily armed herders attempted to kill them but the farmers ran to protect themselves.
“When the joint security network, which includes the Agro-Rangers of the NSCDC, got to the scene, the herders again attempted to attack them but the security operatives overpowered them.
“This led to the arrest of the cows while the herders took to their heels,” he said.
Adeleye warned herdsmen against destroying properties, urging them to rear their cows in confined areas to avoid wanton destruction of farmlands.
He equally advised farmers not to resort to self-help anytime the cows destroyed their crops but to alert the corps for necessary actions.
The commander decried the level of destruction on the farmlands, assuring that the owners of the cows would be prosecuted.
