The police command in Ogun says it has launched probe into the setting ablaze of a 35 hectares of cassava farm in Adao Village, Alabata, Abeokuta by suspected herders.
CSP Omolola Odutola, the Command’s Spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement in Abeokuta on Friday.
Odutola said that one Adewale Ogunbayo had on Thursday reported at the police station that upon visiting his farmland on Wednesday, he discovered that the farmland had been set ablaze.
“Additionally, some herds of cattle were seen grazing on the farm, and several cassava plants had already been uprooted.
“According to the complainant, upon sighting him, the herders commanded the cattle to flee, but he managed to apprehend one of the cows, which he brought to the police station as evidence,” she said.
Odutola added that the Divisional Police Officer of FUNAAB Harmony immediately deployed grassroots policing strategies to calm rising tensions and prevent a potential tribal conflict.
She explained that preliminary investigations commenced immediately, leading to the identification of the owner of the seized cow.
She said that the complainant had estimated the damage to his farmland to be at N27.3million.
She stated that to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation, the case had been transferred to the surveillance section for further inquiries and necessary legal action.
The police spokesperson assured the public that justice would be served , urging all parties to remain calm while investigation on the arson case was ongoing.
Odutola maintained that the command remained committed to maintaining law and order, preventing inter-group conflicts, and protecting the rights of all citizens.
