Akeredolu orders herdsmen to vacate Ondo forest reserves

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state has ordered all herdsmen to vacate the state’s forest reserve within the next seven days with effect from Monday, 18th January.

The governor made this known via his Twitter handle on Monday.

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He attributed the causes of kidnapping and other nefarious acts in the state to the activities of some bad elements ‘masquerading as herdsmen’.

“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.”

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.

— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) January 18, 2021

In light of the foregoing, Governor Akeredolu highlighted the following orders:

1. All Forest Reserves in the State are to be vacated by herdsmen within the next 7 days with effect from today, Monday 18th January, 2021.

2. Night-grazing is banned with immediate effect because most farm destruction takes place at night.

3. Movement of cattle within cities and highways is prohibited.

4. Under-aged grazing of cattle is outlawed.

“Our resolution to guarantee 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.” the governor said.

Daily Trust reports that the Governor had during the armed force Remembrance Day held last week urged the Nigerian Armed forces and other security agencies to collaborate with the State Security Network known as Amotekun Corps.

“Amotekun has come to stay”

Governor Akeredolu, who insisted that the security outfit has come to stay, said members of the Amotekun Corps have local knowledge and are familiar with terrains in the state.

The Governor assured that there would be no confrontation as the Amotekun Corps could offer useful and timely intelligence.

“They are the ones in the bush to pass intelligence to us. They know the indigenes and can easily identify strangers within their vicinity.

“There is also need for proper policing of every nook and cranny of the country. The regular Nigeria Police force cannot do it alone.

“Other security agencies must step in to secure the country. There must be a collaborative effort, we must all work together.

“Policing must be technologically aided. We must have state police in this country. I encourage our armed forces to collaborate with State-based security outfit like the Amotekun Corps. Let us work together.

“The Amotekun Corps are making sacrifices and they are ready to work with the armed forces. It is very crucial. The Amotekun Corps has local knowledge and are familiar with terrains in the state.”