Aiyedatiwa Warns Kidnap Sponsors, Seeks Intelligence from Fulani Leaders
Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday declared that his administration would clamp down on kidnappers and their sponsors, warning that anyone found aiding or financing criminal activities in the state would face the full weight of the law.
The governor made the declaration during a meeting with stakeholders and leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in his office, where issues bordering on security and the resurgence of kidnapping for ransom were discussed.
Aiyedatiwa expressed concern over the increasing cases of abduction in some parts of the state, noting that one community had recorded three kidnapping incidents within the last two months, which he described as disturbing.
According to him, criminal operations are often carried out by organized syndicates involving different collaborators.
“Crime is usually carried out by syndicates. 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 other related crimes across the state, adding that some of those arrested had already made confessional statements.
The governor stressed that investigations would not spare anyone linked to the crimes, regardless of status.
“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 warned.
Aiyedatiwa also called on traditional rulers, community leaders and parents to caution youths against involvement in criminal activities.
The governor referenced a recent protest by youths in the Ilu-Abo area over the spate of kidnappings, noting that representatives of the landlords’ association in the community had earlier met with him to discuss measures to improve security.
He disclosed that he had directed the Commissioner of Police to deploy at least two vehicles to the police post in the area to strengthen security presence.
While acknowledging residents’ frustration, Aiyedatiwa cautioned against protests, noting that such actions could easily be hijacked by hoodlums and lead to further crimes.
He explained that the engagement with stakeholders formed part of ongoing consultations aimed at addressing security threats before they escalate.
According to the governor, intelligence reports indicated that some criminal elements displaced by security operations in neighbouring states such as Kwara and Kogi might be attempting to infiltrate Ondo State.
He said many of the suspects reportedly move under the cover of cattle herding routes, sometimes using cattle as shields while travelling at night.
The governor noted that while cattle rearing and trading remain legitimate economic activities, the government would collaborate with herders’ associations to identify criminal elements 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,” he said.
He warned that security agencies might intensify operations if cooperation fails, which could also affect innocent herders and their cattle.
Aiyedatiwa therefore urged leaders of the association to provide intelligence that would assist security agencies in identifying criminals.
“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 added.
The governor also revealed that the state government was considering requests from the Fulani community to establish vigilante groups among their members to support security operations, noting that such arrangements would require approval and supervision by security agencies.
Earlier, the Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Bola Taiwo, said the meeting was convened to allow Fulani leaders brief the governor on steps being taken to tackle insecurity.
Speaking on behalf of Fulani leaders, the state chairman of MACBAN, Ali Abubakar Maunde, said insecurity had become a major concern for all stakeholders.
He noted that although the association had been collaborating with security agencies, criminal activities should not be blamed solely on Fulani herders.
“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,” Maunde said.
He added that the association planned to engage Fulani communities across the state and work with security agencies at the local government level to identify and eliminate criminal elements.
Maunde also proposed the establishment of Fulani vigilante groups made up of herders familiar with forests and grazing routes to help identify criminals and strengthen security efforts.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and other government officials.
