Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Governor Ondo State
The Ondo State Government has issued a 14-day ultimatum to kidnappers and other criminal elements operating within its forest reserves to vacate the state or face severe legal consequences.
The directive was disclosed by the Senior Special Assistant on Forestry, Mr. Bidemi Obayangban, during an interview with journalists on Wednesday in Akure.
According to Obayangban, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s directive specifically targets illegal occupants using the state’s forest reserves as hideouts for kidnapping and other violent crimes. He stressed that flushing out these elements is a critical prerequisite for safeguarding citizens and attracting investors to the state’s forestry and agricultural sectors.
“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,” Obayangban said.
He noted that the state government has finalized comprehensive, action-oriented security strategies in close collaboration with security agencies and local hunters to reclaim 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,” he stated.
Warning non-compliant groups of the impending crackdown, Obayangban added: “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.”
The government reiterated that restoring peace to the state’s agrarian and forest belts remains vital to ensuring sustainable economic growth, protecting farmers, and boosting local revenue.
