NEWS UPDATE: AIYEDATIWA VOWS TO CRUSH KIDNAPPERS, WARNS SPONSORS AND COLLABORATORS WILL NOT ESCAPE JUSTICE

AIYEDATIWA VOWS TO CRUSH KIDNAPPERS, WARNS SPONSORS AND COLLABORATORS WILL NOT ESCAPE JUSTICE

Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to confront kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state, warning that sponsors, collaborators, and godfathers of criminal networks will face the full weight of the law once identified.

The governor made the declaration on Tuesday during a meeting with stakeholders and leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Ondo State. The meeting focused on security concerns, particularly the resurgence of kidnapping incidents in some communities.

Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed concern over recent cases of abduction in parts of the state, revealing that one community had recorded three kidnapping incidents within the past two months, a development he described as troubling.

He explained that kidnapping operations are often carried out by criminal syndicates involving individuals from different backgrounds.

“Crime is usually carried out by syndicates, some Fulani, some locals. Some provide information about movements while others take victims into the forest,” the governor said.

According to him, security agencies have already arrested about 90 suspects in connection with kidnapping and related crimes in the state, noting that some of those in custody have begun making confessional statements.

Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed that anyone found to be linked to criminal activities would face prosecution regardless of status or background.

“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,” he stated.

The governor also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and parents to caution youths against participating in criminal activities.

Speaking on a recent protest by youths in the Ilu-Abo area over kidnapping incidents, the governor disclosed that representatives of the community’s landlords’ association had earlier met with him to discuss security measures.

He said the government had already directed the Commissioner of Police to deploy at least two patrol vehicles to the police post in the area as part of efforts to strengthen security.

While acknowledging the frustration of residents, the governor cautioned against protests as a first response to security challenges, warning that such actions could easily be hijacked by criminal elements.

“That is why we always tell people that protest should not be the first line of action. When you start it, you don’t know who is who. When it is hijacked, other crimes can follow,” he said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa explained that the meeting with Fulani leaders formed part of ongoing consultations with stakeholders to address security concerns proactively.

“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 added.

The governor further disclosed that intelligence reports indicated that some criminals displaced by security operations in neighbouring states such as Kwara and Kogi might be attempting to infiltrate Ondo State.

He said some of the suspects reportedly move under the cover of cattle herding routes, using cattle as shields while travelling at night.

While acknowledging that cattle rearing remains a legitimate economic activity, the governor emphasized the need for cooperation with herders’ associations to identify criminal elements hiding within their ranks.

“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.

He warned that security agencies may intensify operations if necessary, noting that such actions could also affect innocent herders if criminals are not identified.

Governor Aiyedatiwa therefore urged leaders of the association to provide credible intelligence that would assist security agencies in identifying and arresting criminals.

“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 also revealed that the state government is considering a request from the Fulani community to establish vigilante groups among their members to assist in security operations. However, he emphasized that such groups would require approval and supervision from relevant security agencies.

In his welcome remarks, the Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Bola Taiwo, said the meeting was convened to enable Fulani leaders brief the governor on steps being taken within their communities to address insecurity.

Speaking on behalf of Fulani leaders, the Chairman of the Ondo State chapter of MACBAN, Ali Abubakar Maunde, acknowledged that insecurity had become a major concern for all stakeholders.

He said the association had been collaborating with security agencies and government officials, while stressing that criminal activities should not be attributed solely to Fulani herders.

“There are many people behind these crimes, not just Fulani alone. But we, as representatives of the Fulani, are working day and night to eradicate bad elements among us,” Maunde said.

He also disclosed plans by the association to engage Fulani communities across the state and work closely with security agencies at the local government level to identify and remove criminal elements.

The meeting was attended by several government officials including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and other senior government aides.