By Ayodele Oni
Piqued by the resurgence of kidnapping in the state in recent time, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday declared that his administration would deal decisively with kidnappers and their collaborators, warning that no sponsor or godfather of criminal activities would be spared once traced.
The Governor spoke in his office during a meeting with stakeholders and leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, where security concerns, particularly the resurgence of kidnapping for ransom, were discussed.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed concern over rising incidents of abduction in some parts of the state, noting that one community had recorded three kidnapping cases within the last one month, a development he described as worrisome.
“Crime is usually carried out by syndicates, some Fulani, some locals. Some provide information about movements while others take victims into the forest,” he said.
The Governor disclosed that security agencies had arrested about 90 suspects in connection with kidnapping and related crimes in the state, adding that some of those arrested 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.”
He also urged traditional rulers, community leaders and parents to caution youths against engaging in criminal activities.
The Governor referred to a protest by youths at Ilu Abo area, who had blocked a road junction over the incidents, saying that representatives of the community’s landlords’ association had met with him a day earlier and discussions had been held on steps to improve security in the area.
He said, “Just yesterday, representatives of the landlords’ association of that community were here with me and we had discussions. We agreed on what we have to do there.
“I have directed the Commissioner of Police to immediately deploy a minimum of two vehicles to the police post in that place as requested. But despite that, they still went ahead with the protest.”
While acknowledging the frustration of residents over the incidents, Governor Aiyedatiwa criticised the protest, saying such actions could easily be hijacked by hoodlums.
He said although the youths initially agreed to suspend the protest after security agencies intervened, the demonstration was later taken over by unknown persons.
“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,” the Governor said.
The Governor explained that the meeting with stakeholders formed part of ongoing consultations aimed at preventing security threats before they escalate.
“This is the second meeting this year. As I promised before, these engagements will continue from time to time. It is not only when there are crises that we will meet,” he said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa revealed that intelligence reports had indicated that 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 him, many of the suspects reportedly move under the cover of cattle herding routes, using cattle as shields while moving at night.
He said the government could not stop legitimate cattle rearing businesses, noting that cattle trading remained an important economic activity.
However, he stressed the need for cooperation with herders’ associations to identify criminal elements hiding within the system.
“We know many of you are doing legitimate businesses. But there are some who rustle cattle or use cattle as shield to move into territories.
“You are the ones who can identify them because you know your profession and your people. Some of your members are also victims of cattle rustling.”
The Governor warned that security agencies might be forced to intensify operations if collaboration failed, a situation he said could also affect innocent herders and their cattle.
He therefore urged leaders of the association to provide intelligence that would help security agencies identify criminals.
“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.”
The Governor revealed that the government was considering requests from the Fulani community to establish vigilante groups among their members to assist in security operations.
However, he stressed that such arrangements would require approval and supervision from security agencies.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also disclosed that the government was working on providing logistics support for surveillance efforts within the herders’ community.
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