Aiyedatiwa gives kidnappers, criminals ultimatum to leave Ondo forests

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has given kidnappers and other criminal elements operating in the state’s forest reserves 14 days to vacate the forests.

The directive was disclosed on Wednesday in Akure by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Forestry, Bidemi Obayangban, who said the measure was aimed at restoring security and creating a safer environment for legitimate economic activities.

According to Obayangban, the governor’s directive specifically targets criminals using the forest reserves as hideouts.

He said the government considered security a major requirement for its plans to develop the forestry sector, attract investors and protect farmers, timber contractors and other legitimate operators.

“A vision without maximum security to ensure the safety of investors, farmers, timber contractors and those conducting legitimate business across Ondo State’s forest reserves is effectively meaningless,” he said.

Security agencies, hunters join operation

Obayangban said the administration had concluded plans to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state’s forests.

He explained that security agencies and hunters were collaborating with the state government as part of efforts to restore security to the forest reserves and prevent criminals from using the areas as operational bases.

“Consequently, the primary focus of the Aiyedatiwa administration is to flush out criminal elements from our forests. We are taking the battle directly to them.

“The government is fully committed to this objective and has finalised comprehensive plans to eliminate kidnapping and other illegal activities within our borders,” he said.

The governor’s aide said Aiyedatiwa preferred a discreet and action-oriented approach to security matters, but stressed that the government was determined to reclaim the forests from criminal elements.

‘Vacate forests within 14 days’

Obayangban formally announced the 14-day ultimatum to criminals operating within the state’s forest reserves.

“I am using this opportunity to announce that the state government is giving these individuals 14 days to vacate Ondo State forests.

“Failure to comply will result in them meeting their Waterloo,” he said.

He said restoring security to the forests was also critical to the government’s broader plan to revitalise the forestry sector and promote legitimate economic activities.

Obayangban added that the administration recognised that sustainable economic growth could not be achieved in an environment where farmers, investors and other legitimate operators were exposed to insecurity.

The government therefore intends to combine the security operation with its plans to develop the forestry sector and encourage lawful economic activities across Ondo State’s forest reserves.