Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo, has charged the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state to flush out the criminal elements within its ranks.
Aiyedatiwa spoke on Tuesday during a meeting with MACBAN leaders and other Fulani elders over the rising spate of insecurity in the state.
Earlier today, residents of Ilu-Abo and neighbouring communities in Akure north LGA of Ondo state barricaded the Akure-Owo expressway, in protest against rising cases of kidnapping in the area.
On Monday, suspected gunmen abducted a council secretary and two other persons in the Ilu-Abo community under the Akure north LGA.
During the meeting, Aiyedatiwa said intelligence reports indicate that recent military operations in Kogi and Kwara states have made “criminal elements think” Ondo would be a safe haven.
“This meeting is not holding for the first time. You need to rid yourselves of bad eggs and also report any criminal elements you notice,” he said.
“Anyone found sponsoring criminal activities, including kidnapping, in Ondo state will face the full weight of the law.”
The governor decried the recent spate of kidnapping, killings and road blockades in some parts of the state, particularly Ilu-Abo and Uso communities, but stressed that “security agencies are on top of the situation.”
He said security agencies had, so far, arrested 99 suspects, who were currently making statements regarding various degrees of involvement in the crises across the state.
According to him, those genuinely doing the business of cattle rearing cannot be deprived of their rights.
“You will be able to know if they are genuine or have rushed to some cattle breeders, using them as a shield to gain entrance to another territory, because you are in that profession,” he said.
“You know yourselves and your people. Some of your people are also being attacked to take their cattle; that is why we have to work together. It is very, very important because it is the only way.
“As long as I’m on this seat, myself and other members of the government and I have resolved that anybody can live freely in any part of the country, including Ondo state.
“But the caveat is, when you are here, obey the law of the land. Do your business, go about your enterprise, your legitimate enterprise, without fear.
“That is what we have to provide for everyone: an enabling environment for everyone to live well, to be protected and to do their businesses. Let’s coexist.
“Now, we have been noticing kidnapping for ransom, which used to be very rampant. It reduced before, but recently, it’s coming up again.
“I begin to wonder, where is this coming from again? That is why we must not rest on our oars. We have to wake up and tackle it together.”
Earlier, Abubakar Mande, chairman of MACBAN in the state, said the association would continue to cooperate with the government to expose criminals within its ranks to ensure a peaceful society.
Mande added that the association remained committed to providing intelligence and all necessary support to promote a safer and more crime free Ondo state.
“Not all Fulani living in the state are criminals. The peace of the state is our own peace too,” he said.
In February, the governor inducted 500 new operatives (batch 05, BR05) of the Ondo state security network agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, at the Arcade complex in Akure.
Aiyedatiwa said security of the state is non-negotiable, insisting that no society can prosper in an atmosphere of fear and no government can claim legitimacy without protecting lives and property.
The Cable
