By our Reporter
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Tuesday vowed to deal decisively with kidnappers and their sponsors, warning that anyone found supporting criminal activities in the state would face the full weight of the law.
The governor issued the warning during a security meeting with stakeholders and leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) at the Government House.
Aiyedatiwa expressed concern over the recent resurgence of kidnapping incidents in parts of the state, noting that one community had recorded three abduction cases within the last two months.
According to him, criminal activities in the state are often carried out by organised syndicates involving both locals and outsiders who provide intelligence and logistical support to kidnappers.
“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 linked to kidnapping and related crimes across the state, adding that several of the suspects were already 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,” he said.
The governor also called on traditional rulers, community leaders and parents to caution young people against engaging in criminal activities.
He referenced a recent protest by youths in Ilu-Abo, where residents blocked a road junction over kidnapping incidents. According to him, representatives of the community’s landlords’ association had earlier met with the government to discuss measures to improve security.
Aiyedatiwa said he had directed the Nigeria Police Force to deploy additional patrol vehicles to the police post in the area, although the protest later escalated after being taken over by unidentified individuals.
While acknowledging the frustration of residents, he warned that protests could easily be hijacked by hoodlums and lead to further criminal activities.
The governor explained that the meeting with Fulani leaders was part of ongoing consultations aimed at preventing security threats before they escalate.
He also revealed that intelligence reports suggested that 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.
Although he acknowledged that cattle rearing remains a legitimate economic activity, the governor urged leaders of herders’ associations to help identify criminals hiding within their ranks.
“We know many of you are doing legitimate businesses, but some criminals use cattle as cover to move into territories. You are the ones who can identify them because you know your profession and your people,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa added that the government was considering a request by Fulani leaders to establish vigilante groups among herders to assist security agencies, stressing that such arrangements would require official approval and supervision.
Earlier, the chairman of the state chapter of MACBAN, Ali Abubakar Maunde, said the association was concerned about rising insecurity and was committed to working with the government and security agencies to identify and remove criminal elements.
He emphasised that criminal activities should not be attributed solely to Fulani herders, noting that various groups were involved in such crimes.
“We, as representatives of the Fulani, are working day and night to eradicate bad elements among us,” he said.
Dignitaries at the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa; and other government officials.
