Ondo herdsman farmland destruction Court Sentences Herdsman to 10 Years for N50 Million Farmland Destruction
In a powerful move to uphold agricultural rights and crack down on illegal open grazing,
Indeed, a Magistrate Court in Akure, Ondo State, delivered a landmark judgment that has sent ripples through farming and herding communities alike.
Moreover,a herdsman named Dan-Bello has been sentenced to a decade in prison after causing extensive damage to a farmland valued at N50 million.
As a result of this judgment stands as a significant milestone in enforcing the state’s anti-open grazing law.
Moreover, it sends a strong message that the era of unchecked cattle roaming is gradually ending.
A Landmark Case on Farmland Destruction
Furthermore the case reached its climax when Magistrate Damilola Sekoni delivered what many local farmers consider long-overdue justice.
However, On October 27, 2023, Dan-Bello unlawfully allowed his cattle to graze on a two-hectare farmland
managed by the National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN) in Owo Local Government Area.
Rather than merely feeding, the cattle trampled and devoured young palm trees and watermelon crops, inflicting severe economic damage.
Consequently, what started as illegal grazing escalated into a full-blown assault on property and livelihoods.
Grazing Without Permit: A Violation of the Law
According to the prosecutor, P.O. Nwafor, Dan-Bello had no legal authorization to graze cattle on the affected land.
Although the Ondo State Livestock Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, which was enacted in 2021,
explicitly bans open grazing and mandates herders to operate only within designated zones.
Notably, this is one of the first major enforcement cases under the law.
Initially, Dan-Bello fled the scene.
However, matters worsened when he allegedly returned the following day with six accomplices.
Together, they reportedly set the farmland ablaze, destroying more crops and a motorcycle parked on the premises.
The Legal Breakdown: Court’s Ruling
The trial progressed swiftly. The prosecution presented what Magistrate Sekoni called “overwhelming evidence.”
Ultimately, Dan-Bello was convicted on five separate charges and received the following sentences:
Count 1 (Conspiracy): 4 years imprisonment (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 (no option of fine)
All terms will run concurrently, which means Dan-Bello will serve a maximum of 10 years in prison.
Compensation Option: A Path to Redemption?
Interestingly, the court offered an alternative to full imprisonment.
Dan-Bello could secure conditional release by paying N2 million in compensation to NPPAN.
According to Magistrate Sekoni, this aligns with the principles of restorative justice
allowing offenders to atone for economic harm while still emphasizing accountability.
Farmers React: Relief with Caution
Across Ondo State, farmers have welcomed the ruling. For many, it’s more than just a court decision; it’s a beacon of hope.
A farmer near Owo, who chose to remain anonymous, shared, “We’ve suffered too much.
Our crops, our investments gone in a day. This judgment means we are finally being heard.”
Community leaders echoed these sentiments, viewing the ruling as a step in the right direction.
However, they also emphasized the need for continued enforcement and greater government support.
Why the Anti-Open Grazing Law Is Vital
Ondo herdsman farmland destruction, introduced under former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s administration,
the Ondo State Anti-Open Grazing Law was designed to prevent conflicts between herders and farmers,
protect investments, and enhance food security.
By requiring herders to operate only in designated grazing zones with proper permits, the law seeks to bring order to a historically contentious issue.
Dan-Bello’s conviction is the first major ruling under this law and possibly not the last.
Restoring Peace Through Legal Enforcement
During her ruling, Magistrate Sekoni emphasized that ignorance of the law would no longer be tolerated.
Her message was direct and firm: the law exists to protect all both farmers and herders and everyone must comply.
“This case isn’t about punishing one man,” she said. “It’s about setting a precedent that promotes peaceful coexistence.”
Beyond Punishment: Advocating Long-Term Solutions
While many have applauded the ruling, experts caution that legal measures alone won’t solve the broader issue.
They propose a holistic approach, including:
Allocation of permanent grazing reserves
Educational outreach for nomadic herders
Community engagement and open dialogue
Consistent enforcement of existing laws
Such strategies, they argue, can tackle the root causes of herder-farmer conflicts and foster long-term peace.
A Clear Message: Lawlessness Will No Longer Be Tolerated
For herders in Ondo State and beyond, the message is unmistakable: the days of unregulated grazing are over.
Authorities are taking a firmer stand, and the legal system is actively enforcing the law.
As one local leader aptly put it, “The land is life to farmers. Destroying it is a declaration of war.
This judgment brings hope and proves that justice is now real.”
What This Means for Nigeria’s Agricultural Future
This ruling could serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges.
As Nigeria intensifies efforts toward agricultural self-sufficiency, protecting farmland becomes a national imperative.
Farmers must feel secure. Investors must trust the system.
And the rule of law must visibly function.
Ondo herdsman farmland destruction case ticks all these boxes justice, deterrence, and progress.
What’s your take on Nigeria’s anti-open grazing laws?
Should more states follow Ondo’s example?
Share your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to follow NIGPOST for more updates on justice, agriculture, and policies shaping Nigeria’s future.
Author: Ayodeji Olanrewaju
Date: May 13, 2025
About The Author
