Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has warned that anyone found sponsoring criminal activities, including kidnapping, in the State will face the full weight of the law.
The Governor gave the warning at a meeting with the leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Fulani elders from the three senatorial districts over the spate of insecurity in the state.
Aiyedatiwa, during the meeting assured that the state government would not rest to ensure that the state was rid of criminal elements.
“According to some intelligence reports, the recent operations in Kogi and Kwara States to dislodge some criminal elements has made them think the state would be a safe haven, but they are wrong.
“This meeting is not holding for the first time. You need to rid yourselves of bad eggs and also report any criminal elements you notice.
“Anyone found sponsoring criminal activities, including kidnapping, in Ondo State will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
The governor, who expressed concern over the recent spate of kidnapping, killings and road blockades in some parts of the state, particularly Ilu-Abo and Uso communities, stressed that “security agencies were on top of the situation”.
He said security agencies had, so far, arrested 99 suspects who were currently making statements regarding various degrees of involvement in the crises across the state.
According to him, those genuinely doing the business of cattle rearing can’t be deprived because there are criminals that normally hide within the cows, we should now stop them from doing their business.
“You will be able to know if they are genuine or have rushed to some cattle breeders, using them as shield to gain entrance to another territory, because you are in that profession.
“You know yourselves and your people. Some of your people are also being attacked to take their cattle, that is why we have to work together. It is very, very important because it is the only way.
“As long as I’m on this seat, myself and other members of the government have resolved that anybody can live freely in any part of the country, including Ondo State.
“But the caveat is, when you are here, obey the law of the land. Do your business, go about your enterprise, your legitimate enterprise, without fear.
“That is what we have to provide for everyone, an enabling environment for everyone to live well, to be protected and to do their businesses. Let’s coexist.
“Now, we have been noticing kidnapping for ransom, which used to be very rampant. It reduced before but recently, it’s coming up again.
“I begin to wonder, where is this coming from again? that is why we must not rest on our oars. We have to wake up and tackle it together, “he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of MACBAN in Ondo State, Alhaji Abubakar Mande, said the association would continue to cooperate with the government to expose criminals within their ranks in order to ensure a peaceful society.
Mande added that the association remained committed to providing intelligence and all necessary support to promote a safer and crime-free Ondo State.
“Not all Fulani living in the state are criminals. The peace of the state is our own peace too,” he said. (NAN)
