Gov Aiyedatiwa gives kidnappers 14 days deadline to vacate Ondo forests

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has issued a 14-day ultimatum to kidnappers and other criminal elements operating from forest reserves across the state to vacate the areas or face severe consequences.

The governor said the move was aimed at tackling criminal activities allegedly taking place in the state’s forests.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Forestry, Hon. Bidemi Joshua Obayangban, disclosed the directive while speaking with journalists in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Obayangban said the government would take action against criminals who fail to comply with the ultimatum.

Asked how the government intends to balance its vision of transforming the forestry sector with the prevailing security challenges, Obayangban said security remained a prerequisite for any meaningful development.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Obayangban stated that the government had finalised comprehensive plans to eliminate kidnapping and other illegal activities within the state.

According to him, “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 reiterated the urgency of the directive, saying: “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 added that economic growth was impossible in an environment of insecurity.

He described the operation as the first phase of a broader strategy to revitalise the state’s forestry sector.

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