In a strong statement against open grazing violations, the Ondo State judiciary has made an example of a herdsman whose reckless actions led to the destruction of valuable farmland.
This landmark case underscores the state’s growing resolve to tackle farmer-herder conflicts and protect agricultural investments.
Herdsman Lands 10-Year Sentence for N50 Million Farmland Destruction in Ondo
A Magistrate’s Court sitting in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, has sentenced a herdsman named Dan-Bello to 10 years in prison for breaching the state’s anti-open grazing law and destroying crops worth N50 million.
According to court findings, the incident occurred on October 27, 2023, when Dan-Bello let his cattle loose on a farmland managed by the National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN) in Owo Local Government Area.
The animals trampled and fed on young palm trees and watermelon crops spread across two hectares of cultivated land.
How It All Unfolded: A Tale of Grazing Gone Wrong
The prosecutor, P.O. Nwafor, told the court that the grazing occurred illegally, without any permit or government authorization.
The land, not designated for cattle rearing, was used in direct violation of the Ondo State Livestock Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2021.
What started as illegal grazing escalated into full-blown destruction. After fleeing the scene, one of the herdsmen reportedly returned the next day with six others and allegedly set fire to the farm, burning not only the crops but also a motorcycle parked on the premises.
The Legal Battle and the Judgment Day
After reviewing the case and evidence presented by the prosecution, Magistrate Damilola Sekoni ruled that the evidence was both credible and overwhelming.
Dan-Bello was found guilty on five separate counts, and here’s how the sentence breaks down:
Count 1 (Conspiracy): 4 years imprisonment with no option of fine
Count 2 (Unlawful Grazing): 2 years imprisonment or N50,000 fine
Count 3 (Malicious Damage): 1 year imprisonment
Count 4 (Breach of Peace): 1 year imprisonment
Count 5 (Illegal Entry): 2 years imprisonment without fine
All sentences are to run concurrently, meaning Dan-Bello will spend a maximum of 10 years in prison.
Compensation Option: A Ray of Hope?
Interestingly, the court offered a conditional discharge Dan-Bello can avoid jail time if he pays a compensation of N2 million to the complainant (NPPAN).
The court described this as a path to restorative justice and a chance to repair the economic loss caused by his actions.
Why the Anti-Open Grazing Law Matters
The Ondo State Anti-Open Grazing Law, enacted in 2021, aims to curb the frequent and often violent clashes between farmers and herders.
It prohibits free roaming of cattle and mandates that all herders operate within designated areas with proper permits.
This law was part of a broader security strategy by the former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, to ensure peace, food security, and property protection across the state.
Reactions from the Farming Community
Following the court’s verdict, local farmers have applauded the judgment, calling it “long overdue”. For them, it marks a turning point in the struggle to secure their farms from unchecked cattle invasion and destruction.
Community leaders have also welcomed the ruling, emphasizing the need for strict enforcement of laws protecting agricultural investments.
However, some stakeholders advocate for a more holistic solution, urging the government to tackle the root causes of herder-farmer conflicts including land allocation, access to grazing reserves, and education for nomadic communities.
A Wake-Up Call to All Herders in Ondo
This case is not just about one man it’s a clear message to all herders in Ondo State: the era of unchecked open grazing is over. Ignorance of the law will no longer serve as an excuse.
Magistrate Sekoni emphasized that the law exists to prevent further conflict, protect livelihoods, and promote peaceful coexistence between agricultural communities and livestock owners.
What This Means for Ondo State Going Forward
With this landmark ruling, Ondo State is asserting its zero-tolerance stance on illegal grazing and farm destruction.
It sets a judicial precedent that could inspire similar actions in other states battling the same issue.
For many residents, the judgment represents hope that justice is no longer just a concept but a lived experience for victims of environmental and economic harm caused by lawlessness.
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