Dare Babalola
The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday vowed to deal decisively with kidnappers and their collaborators, warning that sponsors and godfathers of criminal activities would not be spared once identified.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, in a Facebook post.
Aiyedatiwa addressed the issue during a meeting with leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the state. The stakeholders discussed security concerns, focusing on the recent surge in kidnapping for ransom.
The governor expressed concern over the increasing abduction cases in some communities, noting that one area had experienced three kidnappings in just two months.
“Crime is usually carried out by syndicates, some Fulani, some locals. Some provide information about movements while others take victims into the forest,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa disclosed that security agencies had arrested about 90 suspects linked to kidnapping and other related crimes in the state, adding that some of those apprehended had begun making confessional statements.
“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,” the governor said.
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders and parents to caution youths against engaging in criminal activities.
The governor also referred to a recent protest by youths in the Ilu Abo area over rising insecurity, noting that representatives of the landlords’ association had met with him earlier to discuss steps to address the situation.
“Just yesterday, representatives of the landlords’ association of that community were here with me and we had discussions. We agreed on what we have to do there,” he said.
According to him, he had directed the Commissioner of Police to deploy at least two patrol vehicles to a police post in the area to strengthen security.
While acknowledging residents’ frustration over kidnapping incidents, Aiyedatiwa criticised the protest, warning that demonstrations could easily be hijacked by hoodlums.
“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.
The governor explained that the meeting with stakeholders formed part of ongoing consultations aimed at addressing security threats before they escalated.
He also revealed that intelligence reports indicated that some criminal elements displaced by security operations in neighbouring states such as Kwara State and Kogi State might be attempting to move into Ondo.
According to him, some suspects reportedly move under the cover of cattle herding routes, using cattle as shields while travelling at night.
Aiyedatiwa said the government would continue to support legitimate cattle-rearing businesses but stressed the need for collaboration with herders’ associations to identify criminals 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.
