The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to herdsmen to vacate forest reserves in the state.
The order is part of major steps taken by the state at addressing the root cause of kidnapping and other nefarious activities in the state.
In a statement issued on his official Twitter handle, Akereolu said the forests have been turned into a place for felons to carry out their criminal activities.
He said, “Today we have taken major steps at addressing the root cause of kidnapping, in particular, and other nefarious activities detailed and documented in security reports, the press and debriefings from victims of kidnap cases in Ondo State.
“These unfortunate incidents are traceable to the activities of some bad elements masquerading as herdsmen. These felons have turned our forest reserves into hideouts for keeping victims of kidnapping, negotiating for ransom and carrying out other criminal activities.”
He said that as the Chief Law and Security Officer of the state, it is his constitutional obligation to do everything lawful to protect the lives and property of all residents of the state.
According to the Governor, “All Forest Reserves in the state are to be vacated by herdsmen within the next seven days with effect from today, Monday 18th January 2021.
“Night-grazing is banned with immediate effect because most farm destruction takes place at night.
“Movement of cattle within cities and highways is prohibited. Under-aged grazing of cattle is outlawed.
“Our resolution to guarantee the safety of lives and property within the state shall remain utmost as security agencies have been directed to enforce the ban.
“In its usual magnanimity, our administration will give a grace period of seven days for those who wish to carry on with their cattle-rearing business to register with appropriate authorities.”
