…….Says sponsors behind kidnapping activities will face full weight of law
By Precious Oluwole
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday raised concern over the resurgence of kidnapping in parts of the state and ordered security agencies to intensify operations against criminal elements.
The Governor also warned that sponsors, collaborators and “godfathers” behind kidnapping activities would face the full weight of the law once identified.
Governor Aiyedatiwa spoke during a meeting with stakeholders and leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state at his office in Akure.
The meeting focused on security challenges in the state, particularly the recent cases of kidnapping for ransom.
The Governor expressed worry over the increasing incidents of abduction, revealing that one community had recorded three kidnapping cases within the last two months.
“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.
Governor Aiyedatiwa disclosed that security agencies had arrested about 90 suspects in connection with kidnapping and related crimes in the state, adding that some of the suspects had already made 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,” the governor warned.
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders and parents to caution youths against engaging in criminal activities.
The Governor also referred to a recent protest by youths in the Ilu Abo area who blocked a road junction over the security situation in their community.
According to him, the protest disrupted the movement of some stakeholders from the northern senatorial district who were expected to attend the meeting.
Aiyedatiwa said the state government had earlier engaged representatives of the landlords’ association in the community to discuss measures aimed at improving security.
“I have directed the Commissioner of Police to immediately deploy a minimum of two vehicles to the police post there as requested. But despite that, they still went ahead with the protest,” he said.
While acknowledging the frustration of residents, the governor cautioned that protests could easily be hijacked by hoodlums and lead to other criminal activities.
“When you start a protest, you don’t know who is who. Once it is hijacked, other crimes can follow,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa said the meeting with stakeholders formed part of ongoing consultations by the state government to prevent 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.
The Governor also revealed that intelligence reports 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, some of the suspects reportedly move under the cover of cattle herding routes, using cattle as shields while travelling at night.
He noted that while cattle rearing remained a legitimate business, cooperation from herders’ associations was necessary to identify criminals 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,” he said.
The Governor warned that security agencies might be forced to intensify operations if collaboration failed, noting that such actions could also affect innocent herders and their cattle.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the safety of residents, Aiyedatiwa said everyone had the right to live and conduct legitimate business in the state, provided they obey the law.
“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,” he said.
The Governor lamented the renewed wave of kidnappings in the state, citing recent incidents including the abduction of five worshippers from a church, the kidnapping of a couple in another community, and the abduction of a farmer in Akoko North-West who also serves as an LCDA chairman.
According to him, kidnappers had contacted the victim’s family demanding ransom.
“This is becoming too rampant. Every time something happens, people say Fulani. But it is not only Fulani involved,” he added.
Aiyedatiwa disclosed that the state government was considering requests from the Fulani community to establish vigilante groups to assist security agencies in tackling criminal activities.
He said such arrangements would require approval and supervision from security agencies.
Earlier, the Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Bola Taiwo, said the meeting was convened to enable leaders of the Fulani community brief the governor on steps they intended to take to address insecurity in the state.
Speaking on behalf of Fulani leaders, the Chairman of the state chapter of MACBAN, Ali Abubakar Maunde, said insecurity had become a concern for all stakeholders.
He said the association had been collaborating with security agencies and government officials to address the security situation in the state.
“There are many people behind these crimes, not just Fulani alone. But we are working day and night to eradicate bad elements among us,” he said.
Maunde appealed to the state government for greater support and proposed the establishment of Fulani vigilante groups made up of herders familiar with forests and grazing routes.
“It is disheartening that whenever kidnapping occurs, the first name that comes up is Fulani herders.
“We are ready to support the state government more than 100 per cent to ensure peace in Ondo State because this is our home,” he said.
In attendance were; Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Senior Special Assistant on Security matters, Hon. Olugbenga Atiba; Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters, Mr Smart Omodunbi; Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (Central) Hon. Femi Fadairo, Special Assistant on Non-Indigene, Hausa (South), Issa Umar Mohammed.
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