AIYEDATIWA GIVES CRIMINALS TWO WEEKS TO VACATE ONDO FORESTS

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has given suspected kidnappers and other criminal elements operating in the state’s forest reserves 14 days to vacate the areas or face security operations. The directive was disclosed by the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Forestry, Bidemi Obayangban, in Akure on Wednesday.

Obayangban said the ultimatum was specifically aimed at criminals using the forests as hideouts for kidnapping and other illegal activities. He explained that the government’s decision was part of efforts to improve security and create a safer environment for farmers, investors, timber contractors and other people carrying out legitimate activities in the forest reserves.

He said the state government had concluded plans to tackle criminal activities in the forests and was working with security agencies and local hunters to reclaim the areas. According to him, the administration is determined to take the fight directly to criminal elements operating from the forest reserves.

The governor’s aide said the security of the forest areas was also important to the government’s plan to revive the forestry sector and attract investment. He noted that economic activities could not thrive in an environment where farmers, investors and other legitimate operators were exposed to kidnapping and other security threats.

Obayangban said the government preferred a discreet and action-oriented approach to security matters but was fully committed to removing criminal elements from the forests. He warned that those who fail to leave within the 14-day period would face the consequences of the planned security operations.