Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, on Monday ordered herdsmen to vacate the state’s forest reserves within seven days or have rough times with authorities in the state.
The Governor who bemoaned the turning of forests in the state to kidnappers’ den issued the ultimatum in a series of tweets via his official Twitter handle.
He also prohibited the movement of cattle within the city and highways in the state henceforth.
Akeredolu’s tweet: “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:
“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.
“Night-grazing is banned with immediate effect because most farm destruction takes place at night.
“Movement of cattle within cities and highways is prohibited.
“Under-aged grazing of cattle is outlawed.
“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,” Akeredolu’s tweets read.
