The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared war on criminals, particularly kidnappers hiding in forest reserves across the state to perpetrate illicit activities.
Consequently, he has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the criminals to vacate the forests or face severe consequences.
Bidemi Obayangban, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Forestry, made this known in a chat with journalists in Akure on Wednesday.
Obayangban said that the government had finalised comprehensive plans to eliminate kidnapping and other illegal activities within the state.
He argued that security was a prerequisite for any meaningful development.
The governor’s aide added that economic growth was impossible in an environment of insecurity.
“A vision without maximum security to ensure the safety of investors, farmers, timber contractors and those conducting legitimate business across Ondo State’s forest reserves is effectively meaningless.
“Consequently, the primary focus of the Aiyedatiwa administration is to flush out criminal elements from our forests. We are taking the battle directly to them.
“It is important to note that all security agencies and hunters across Ondo State are in complete accord and are working in close collaboration with the government to achieve this.
“While the Governor prefers a discreet, action-oriented approach to security, I am authorised to state that the time for these criminals is up,” he stated.
While reiterating the urgency of the directive, Obayangban said: “I am using this opportunity to announce that the state government is giving these individuals 14 days to vacate Ondo State forests.
“Failure to comply will result in them meeting their Waterloo.”
The governor’s aide described the operation as the first phase of a broader strategy to revitalise the state’s forestry sector.
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