The herdsmen and cows were arrested at Oke Ala and Iju community of Akure.
Two of the herders, Abudulahi Sanni and his uncle simply called Baba, said they had been living peacefully at Iju and were ready to pay any amount as compensation for whatever damage they had caused.
They said: “We have been living peacefully in this community. We don’t want any trouble with the state government. They have shown us love by accepting us and we are ready to settle out of court and pay any amount for damages done to the farmlands.”
The herders were, however, made to settle the farm owners as well as pay a specified amount into the government purse.
The Commander of the Corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said the cows would be released after the owners had complied with the regulations as contained in the Anti-Open Grazing Law.
He said some herdsmen have continued to violate the anti-open grazing law.
“We have a number of herders here with us and we are making them comply with the enacted law, which stipulates penalty for defaulting herders. The position of the law is that if they choose to go to court, we will implement the law, which stipulates a minimum of N100, 000 fines or three years imprisonment.
“In most cases, you will see them pleading that such a thing will not happen again. We have informed the leadership of Miyetti Allah to educate their members that the anti-open grazing law of Ondo State is in place.
“When it is done the second time, the person will go to court to face the full weight of the law.
“In the main time, what we have done is to go further to enlighten their people, but we feel we should interface with the leadership of Miyetti Allah.
“We have implored them to educate other members of the Miyetti Allah that the anti-open grazing law of Ondo State is in place,” Adeleye said.
Ondo State Government has planned a one day summit with stakeholders on the best ways to implement the anti-open grazing law.
The summit is also expected to enlighten herders on the law.