Ondo police recover livestock after employee disappears with 55 cattle, eight sheep.
AKURE, Nigeria — Police in Ondo State have launched a manhunt after a cattle rearer allegedly absconded with 55 cattle and eight sheep, estimated to be worth ₦41 million, from a private livestock farm near Akure.
Livestock Theft in Ondo Sparks Police Recovery Operation
The case was reported on July 1 by Fasua Oyeleye, the farm owner, who discovered that his employee, Ali Garuba Muhammed, had disappeared without notice, taking the animals with him.
According to authorities, the livestock theft occurred overnight and was only noticed the next morning.
Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, said officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit responded swiftly and began tracing the stolen livestock. Within 48 hours, 22 cattle were recovered from multiple locations beyond the immediate area of the theft.
The cattle Rearer on the Run as Investigation Deepens
“The primary suspect is still at large,” Lawal said during a briefing on Sunday. “But we are intensifying efforts to track him and determine whether others were involved.”
Investigators are following digital and physical trails to establish if the stolen livestock was sold or moved using unauthorized transport networks.
Police Rely on Intelligence-Led Approach to Tackle Cattle Rustling
Officials described the theft as a form of cattle rustling, a growing concern in Nigeria’s agricultural regions. Lawal said the police operation highlights their ongoing commitment to using intelligence-based methods to combat crimes that target property and livestock.
Public Urged to Support Livestock Fraud Investigation
The Commissioner called on residents to assist the police by reporting any suspicious livestock movements. Reports can be made through the national crime reporting system or directly to the nearest police division in Ondo State.
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“This case proves we are capable of responding quickly and strategically when rural economies are threatened,” Lawal said. Investigations into the full extent of the theft and the whereabouts of the remaining animals remain ongoing.
