Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday declared that his administration would deal decisively with kidnappers and their collaborators, warning that sponsors and godfathers of criminal activities would not be spared once identified.
The governor made the statement during a meeting with stakeholders and leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in his office, where security concerns, particularly the resurgence of kidnapping for ransom in parts of the state, were discussed.
Aiyedatiwa expressed concern over the recent rise in abduction cases, noting that one community had recorded three kidnapping incidents within the last two months, which he described as disturbing.
“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.
He disclosed that security agencies had arrested about 90 suspects in connection with kidnapping and related crimes across the state, adding that several 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,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
The governor also urged traditional rulers, community leaders and parents to caution youths against engaging in criminal activities.
Aiyedatiwa referenced a recent protest by youths in the Ilu Abo area, where residents blocked a road junction over the incidents. He said representatives of the landlords’ association in the community had met with him a day earlier to discuss steps to improve security.
According to him, he had directed the Commissioner of Police to immediately deploy at least two patrol vehicles to the police post in the area as requested by residents.
“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.
While acknowledging residents’ frustration over the security situation, the governor criticised the protest, warning that such actions could easily be hijacked by hoodlums.
He explained that although the youths initially agreed to suspend the protest after security agencies intervened, the demonstration was later taken over by unknown persons.
“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 added.
The governor said the meeting with stakeholders formed part of ongoing consultations aimed at preventing security threats before they escalate.
“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 said.
Aiyedatiwa also revealed that intelligence reports indicated some criminal elements displaced by security operations in neighbouring states such as Kwara State and Kogi State might be attempting to move into Ondo State.
According to him, some suspects reportedly travel under the cover of cattle herding routes, using cattle as shields while moving at night.
He noted that the government would not stop legitimate cattle rearing activities, describing cattle trading as an important economic venture, but stressed the need for cooperation with herders’ associations to identify criminals hiding within the system.
“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.
The governor warned that security agencies might intensify operations if collaboration failed, which could also affect innocent herders and their cattle.
He therefore urged leaders of the association to provide intelligence that would help security agencies identify criminal elements.
“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.
Aiyedatiwa further disclosed that the government was considering requests from Fulani leaders to establish vigilante groups among herders to support security operations, stressing that such arrangements would require approval and supervision from security agencies.
He added that the state government was also working on providing logistics support to improve surveillance within the herders’ community.
In his welcome address, the Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Bola Taiwo, said the meeting was convened to allow leaders of the Fulani community brief the governor on measures they intended to take to address insecurity in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Fulani leaders, the Ondo State Chairman of MACBAN, Ali Abubakar Maunde, said insecurity had become a major concern for all stakeholders.
Maunde explained that representatives from the northern senatorial district were unable to attend the meeting due to the protest in their area, but assured that the association was committed to working with security agencies to address the challenge.
“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,” he said.
He added that the association planned to engage Fulani communities across the state and collaborate with security agencies at the local government level to identify and eliminate criminal elements.
Maunde also proposed the creation of Fulani vigilante groups made up of herders familiar with forest routes and grazing areas to assist in tracking criminals.
Those present at the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa; Senior Special Assistant on Security Matters, Olugbenga Atiba; Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters, Smart Omodunbi; Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (Central), Femi Fadairo; and Special Assistant on Non-Indigene, Hausa (South), Issa Umar Mohammed.
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