Ondo Sets Up Special Security Unit To Protect Farmers, Travellers Against Attack By Herders

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government is contemplating on setting up special security unit to protect farmers from incessant attacks and destruction of their farms by Fulani herdsmen.

Already, Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved the setting up of Amotekun Rangers in the state forests to put an end to incessant killings of farmers by suspected herdsmen as well as prevent kidnapping at border towns and roads in the state.

The Commander of the State Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye disclosed this to newsmen in Akure on Monday, while parading nine suspected criminals.

According to him, training of Amotekun Forest Rangers has commenced as directed by the Governor and they will be deployed to strategic locations within the state.

Adeleye said the ‘AMOT RANGERS’ was established in line with the Ondo State Livestock Rearing and Grazing Regulation and Ranches Establishment Law of 2021 (as amended).

He assured residents of the state that the new Amotekun unit would focus on addressing the current security threats posed by influx of criminal elements especially in the forests in and around communities in Akoko/Ose/Owo areas and other black spots across the state.

Adeleye noted that the AMOT Rangers would be residing and working in the border towns with Kogi, Edo and Ekiti states as well as forest reserves in the state.

On the nine suspects paraded, the Amotekun Commander explained that two of them were apprehended for attempting to kill private security guards with guns during robbery and others were nabbed for snatching okada.