Aiyedatiwa gives criminals 14 days to leave Ondo forests

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has given criminals using the state’s forest reserves 14 days to leave the forests.

The directive was announced in Akure by the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Forestry, Bidemi Obayangban. He said the order was aimed at kidnappers and other criminals accused of using the forests as hideouts.

Obayangban said security agencies, hunters and local partners were working with the state government to restore safety in the forest reserves. He said the administration had finalised plans to tackle kidnapping and other illegal activity in the forests.

The governor’s aide said the state wanted legitimate farmers, timber operators and investors to work without fear. He linked the security push to the government’s plan to revive the forestry sector and attract lawful business activity.

Vanguard also reported that the state government was mobilising security agencies and hunters to raid criminal hideouts after the deadline. The reports said the order was presented as the first phase of a wider plan to reclaim the forests and improve public safety.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard