Asks herdsmen to vacate Ondo forests within 7 days
Governor of Ondo state,Governor Rotimi Akeredolu have asked herdsmen to vacate all the forests reserves in the state within the next seven days.
He said this in a statement he issued Monday in Akure.
Governor Akeredolu said the decision has become inevitable if the state must address the root cause of kidnapping, banditry are to be stopped in the state.
He added that as the chief law officer of the state,it is his constitutional duty to protect the lives and property of all those living in the state.
Below is the full text of the statement:
HERDSMEN TO VACATE OUR FOREST RESERVES WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT—— Gov Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi
“We have taken major steps at addressing the root cause of kidnapping, in particular, and other nefarious activities detailed and documented in security reports, the press and debriefings from victims of kidnap cases in Ondo State.
These unfortunate incidents are traceable to the activities of some bad elements masquerading as herdsmen. These felons have turned our forest reserves into hideouts for keeping victims of kidnapping, negotiating for ransom and carrying out other criminal activities.
As the Chief Law and Security Officer of the State, it is my constitutional obligation to do everything lawful to protect the lives and property of all residents of the State. In light of the foregoing, the following orders are hereby issued:
1. All Forest Reserves in the State are to be vacated by herdsmen within the next 7 days with effect from today, Monday 18th January, 2021.
2. Night-grazing is banned with immediate effect because most farm destruction takes place at night.
3. Movement of cattle within cities and highways is prohibited.
4. Under-aged grazing of cattle is outlawed.
In its usual magnanimity, our administration will give a grace period of seven days for those who wish to carry on with their cattle-rearing business to register with appropriate authorities. Our resolution to guarantee safety of lives and property within the State shall remain utmost as security agencies have been directed to enforce the ban.”— Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN
