Governor Rotimi of Ondo, on Monday ordered herdsmen to vacate the state’s forest reserves within seven days.
The governor in a chain of tweets through his Twitter handle @RotimiAkeredu also issued a prohibition order against cattle movement within the city and highways in the state.
According to Akeredolu in a series of tweets, the insecurity in the state could be attributed to some bad elements masquerading as herdsmen.
“Today, we have taken major steps at addressing the root cause of kidnapping, in particular, and other nefarious activities detailed and documented in security reports, the press and debriefings from victims of kidnap cases in Ondo State.
“These unfortunate incidents are traceable to the activities of some bad elements masquerading as herdsmen.
“These felons have turned our forest reserves into hideouts for keeping victims of kidnapping, negotiating for ransom and carrying out other criminal activities.
“As the Chief Law and Security Officer of the State, it is my constitutional obligation to do everything lawful to protect the lives and property of all residents of the State.
“In light of the foregoing, the following orders are hereby issued: “1. All Forest Reserves in the State are to be vacated by herdsmen within the next 7 days with effect from today, Monday 18th January, 2021.
“2. Night-grazing is banned with immediate effect because most farm destruction takes place at night.
“3. Movement of cattle within cities and highways is prohibited.
“4. Under-aged grazing of cattle is outlawed,” the chain of tweets read.
He added that the resolution to guarantee safety of lives and property within the state would be treated as a priority.
The governor gave “a grace period of seven days to herdsmen who wish to carry on with their cattle-rearing business in the state to register with appropriate authorities.”
