The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu appears set to tackle the menace of incessant kidnappings and killings from its root as he reeled out a number of tough measures, curtailing the operation of herdsmen throughout the Sunshine territory.
Firstly, the Fulani herdsmen operating in the state are to vacate all Forest Reserves in the territory within the next seven days with effective today, Monday January 18, 2021.
In addition, the Governor has also placed a total ban on night-grazing by herders in the state. This takes immediate effect.
Reasons for the ban, he said, is because most farm destruction takes place at night.
Addressing a Stakeholders’ meeting comprising of top security chiefs in Akure, Akeredolu also announced that movement of cattle within cities and highways is prohibited henceforth.
The Governor said: “As the Chief Law and Security Officer of the State, it is my constitutional obligation to do everything lawful to protect the lives and property of all residents of the State. In light of the foregoing, the following orders are hereby issued:
“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 while under-aged grazing of cattle is outlawed.
“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.
“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.
“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”
Akeredolu regretted that the unfortunate incidents are traceable to the activities of some bad elements masquerading as herdsmen.
He noted that “these felons have turned our forest reserves into hideouts for keeping victims of kidnapping, negotiating for ransom and carrying out other criminal activities”.
He vowed that his Administration would be firm in dealing with anyone or groups that flout the new directives
