Aiyedatiwa meets with Miyetti Allah, vows crackdown on kidnappers, collaborators
The Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday, met with the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the state and other stakeholders over insecurity in parts of the state.
Speaking at the meeting held at his office in Akure, the governor declared that his administration would deal decisively with kidnappers and their collaborators, warning that no sponsor or godfather of criminal activities would be spared once identified.
Expressing concern over rising incidents of abduction in some parts of the state, Aiyedatiwa described the development as worrisome.
The governor said, “Crime is usually carried out by syndicates, some Fulani, some locals. Some provide information about movements while others take victims into the forest.”
He disclosed that security agencies had arrested about 90 suspects in connection with kidnapping and related crimes in the state, noting that some of those arrested had already made 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 said.
He also urged traditional rulers, community leaders and parents in the state to caution youths against engaging in criminal activities.
On the protest by youths in the Ilu Abo area earlier on Tuesday, the governor explained that representatives of the community’s landlords’ association had met with him a day earlier to discuss steps to improve security in the area.
He said, “Just yesterday (Monday), 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.
“I have directed the Commissioner of Police to immediately deploy a minimum of two vehicles to the police post in that place as requested. But despite that, they still went ahead with the protest.”
Speaking on behalf of Fulani leaders, the Chairman of the state chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Ali Maunde, said insecurity in the state had become a concern for all stakeholders.
Maunde said the association had been collaborating with security agencies and government officials, but noted that criminal activities should not be blamed solely on Fulani herders.
“There are many people behind these crimes, not just the Fulani alone. But we, as representatives of the Fulani, are working day and night to eradicate bad elements among us,” he said.
