Ogun State Police have arrested two herders for destroying trees worth about N95 million in a government plantation.
The suspects were caught grazing cattle in the restricted Olokemeji Forest Range in Odeda.
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested two herders accused of destroying a government-owned tree plantation valued at about N95 million in the Olokemeji Forest Range, Odeda Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, identified as 23-year-old Haruna Oseni and another herder known only as ZZ, aged 30, both from Oyo State, were apprehended in the early hours of Thursday, October 9, 2025, while grazing their cattle within the plantation belonging to the Ogun State Ministry of Forestry.
According to a report filed by Dr. Bashiru Adeniyi, a senior official of the ministry, the herders allegedly led their cattle into the restricted plantation area, where the animals destroyed hundreds of young trees and seedlings cultivated for reforestation and environmental protection. The damage was estimated at N95 million.
Following the report, officers from the Odeda Police Division swiftly moved to the location at around 4:30 a.m., where they found the suspects and their herd on the plantation. The officers arrested the two men and documented the extent of the destruction with photographic evidence.
Police authorities confirmed that the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation as part of an ongoing investigation. Efforts are also underway to determine whether other individuals or groups were involved in the incident.
A senior police source said the case underscores the need for herders to respect protected government property and avoid grazing in restricted forest areas, warning that violators would face legal consequences.
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police has been briefed on the incident and has directed that a detailed investigation be conducted to ensure justice is served.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Forestry is assessing the full extent of the loss and considering legal action to recover damages and reinforce security measures around the affected plantation.
