Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has vowed that his administration will decisively tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state, warning that sponsors and collaborators of criminal activities will face the full weight of the law.
The governor gave the warning on Tuesday during a meeting with stakeholders and leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Akure, where security concerns—particularly the resurgence of kidnapping for ransom—were discussed.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa expressed concern over the increasing incidents of abduction in parts of the state, noting that one community recorded three kidnapping cases within the last two months.
“Crime is usually carried out by syndicates, some Fulani and some locals. Some provide information about movements while others take victims into the forest,” the governor said.
He disclosed that security agencies had arrested about 90 suspects linked to kidnapping and related crimes across the state, adding that several of them were already making confessional statements.
“If investigations trace any criminal activity to anyone, whether they have legitimate business or not, they will be treated like criminals. No godfather, sponsor or collaborator will be spared,” Aiyedatiwa warned.
The governor also urged traditional rulers, community leaders and parents to caution young people against engaging in criminal activities.
Speaking on recent protests by youths in the Ilu-Abo area over kidnapping incidents, Aiyedatiwa said representatives of the community’s landlords’ association had met with him earlier to discuss steps to strengthen security.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police had already been directed to deploy at least two patrol vehicles to the police post in the area to enhance security presence.
While acknowledging the frustration of residents, the governor cautioned against protests, noting that such demonstrations could easily be hijacked by hoodlums.
“That is why we always tell people that protest should not be the first line of action. When you start it, you don’t know who is who. When it is hijacked, other crimes can follow,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa explained that the meeting with Fulani leaders was part of ongoing consultations aimed at preventing security threats before they escalate.
He also revealed that intelligence reports suggested some criminal elements displaced by security operations in neighbouring states such as Kwara and Kogi might be attempting to move into Ondo State.
According to the governor, some of the suspects reportedly travel under the cover of cattle herding routes, using cattle as shields while moving at night.
While stressing that legitimate cattle rearing remains an important economic activity, Aiyedatiwa said the government would work closely with herders’ associations to identify criminals hiding among them.
“We know many of you are doing legitimate businesses. But there are some who rustle cattle or use cattle as a shield to move into territories. You are the ones who can identify them because you know your profession and your people,” he said.
The governor warned that security agencies might intensify operations if cooperation from stakeholders fails, a move he said could also affect innocent herders and their cattle.
“As long as I remain governor, anybody can live freely in any part of the country, including Ondo State. But when you are here, obey the law of the land and conduct your business within the ambit of the law,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa also disclosed that the government was considering requests from the Fulani community to establish vigilante groups among their members to assist in security operations, noting that such arrangements would require approval and supervision from security agencies.
Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Bola Taiwo, said the meeting was convened to allow leaders of the Fulani community brief the governor on their efforts to address insecurity.
Chairman of the state chapter of MACBAN, Ali Abubakar Maunde, who spoke on behalf of Fulani leaders, said insecurity had become a concern for all stakeholders.
He emphasised that criminal activities should not be blamed solely on Fulani herders, adding that the association was working to identify and eliminate bad elements within its ranks.
“There are many people behind these crimes, not just Fulani alone. But we, as representatives of the Fulani, are working day and night to eradicate bad elements among us,” Maunde said.
He also proposed the creation of Fulani vigilante groups made up of herders familiar with forests and grazing routes to help identify criminals and support security agencies.
Officials present at the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and other senior government officials.
