Aiyedatiwa gives kidnappers, criminals 14 days to leave Ondo forests

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has issued a directive requiring criminal elements operating within the state's forest reserves to vacate the premises within a fourteen-day period.

Mr Bidemi Obayangban, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Forestry, disclosed this information during a media interview conducted on Wednesday in Akure.

According to Obayangban, the governor's directive specifically targets kidnappers and other criminal organizations that have established hideouts within the forests.

He indicated that this measure constitutes part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance security conditions and establish a secure environment conducive to legitimate economic endeavors.

Obayangban emphasized that security constitutes a fundamental requirement for the state government's forestry sector development initiatives and efforts to attract investment capital.

"A strategic vision lacking adequate security measures to guarantee the protection of investors, agricultural operators, timber contractors, and individuals engaged in lawful commercial activities throughout Ondo State's forest reserves lacks substantive meaning," he stated.

He further noted that the administration has finalized comprehensive plans to address kidnapping and other criminal activities occurring within the state's forest reserves.

According to his remarks, security personnel and local hunters throughout the state are actively collaborating with governmental authorities in the undertaking to restore security and order to the forest reserves.

“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.

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

“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.

Obayangban 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.

He said 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.