By RhemDy News
The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), in collaboration with the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and security operatives, has arrested five persons for unlawful excavation of sand at Akufo Farm Settlement in Ido Local Government Area of the State.
The joint enforcement operation at the farm settlement followed reports of alleged illegal sand excavation on the farm.
The Chairperson of OYRLEA, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (Rtd.), in a statement on Thursday, also explained that the operation was prompted by concerns over the unauthorised excavation and removal of laterite and gravel from agricultural land under the management of OYSADA.
Upon arrival, she said the enforcement team intercepted a trailer fully loaded with laterite and gravel as it was leaving the settlement.
Justice Aderemi explained that the vehicle was immediately stopped and impounded with the five suspects allegedly connected to the excavation activities also arrested.
During an inspection of the area, the team discovered multiple points of suspected illegal excavation, with some located within existing plantations.
She added that the scale of the excavation showed significant impact on the agricultural land.
"Of particular concern was a cassava plantation where mature cassava crops reportedly ready for harvest had been destroyed and left to waste as a result of the excavation. This underscores the potential threat posed by such activities to agricultural production and food security,' she said.
The chairperson stressed that the team also impounded an excavator believed to have been used for the excavation and loading of laterite and gravel, disclosing that the operator was, however, not found at the scene.
Aderemi also said freshly prepared food and other personal belongings were found around the abandoned equipment, suggesting that the operator may have fled shortly before or upon sighting the enforcement team.
According to one of the farmers in the settlement, not less than 50 trailer-loads of laterite and gravel were allegedly being excavated and removed from the farm daily.
This raises concerns about the scale of the activities and their potential impact on the agricultural development objectives of the farm settlement.
The authorities described the unauthorised excavation and removal of laterite and gravel from government agricultural land as unlawful saying it constitutes a serious threat to the proper utilisation, preservation, and development of the farm settlement.
She stated that the five suspects, whose identities were withheld, have been detained at the Amotekun Corps Divisional Headquarters in Ido Local Government Area, pending further investigation and their subsequent arraignment before a court of competent jurisdiction.
The agencies reaffirmed their commitment to protecting government agricultural assets, enforcing compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and preventing activities capable of undermining the State’s agricultural development initiatives.
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