The Oyo State government on Wednesday, August 12, seized 18 cows that were found roaming on the ever-busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The seizure followed complaints by motorists for some time who said the cows always moved about on the highway, thereby constituting danger to them and other users of the road.
Following the complaints, the government, through the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, swung into action on Wednesday, saw the cows near the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University section of the expressway and seized them.
It was gathered that operatives of the outfit had last week inspected the area and traced where the cows were kept by the herders, warning them to desist from allowing the cows to roam the expressway.
However, apparently due to the refusal of the herders to heed the warning, the operatives moved to the expressway on Wednesday and seized the cows, as the outfit added that the action reflected its commitment to responding to public complaints and removing threats to safety and traffic flow.
Reacting to the incident in a statement, Chairperson of OYRLEA, Justice Aderonke Aderemi, said the authority will not tolerate any activity that endangers public safety or obstructs major highways in the state.
“This impoundment sends a clear message that Oyo State will enforce its laws without fear or favour. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is a critical economic corridor and must not be turned into grazing fields. Anyone found flouting traffic and environmental regulations will face the full weight of the law,” Justice Aderemi stated.
