By Adegbaju Temitope 

Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Governor of Ondo State, on Tuesday vowed that his administration would decisively tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes, warning that sponsors and collaborators of criminal activities would not be spared once identified.

The governor made the declaration during a meeting with stakeholders and leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, where rising security concerns, particularly kidnapping for ransom, were discussed.

Speaking during the meeting, Aiyedatiwa expressed concern over the resurgence of abductions in parts of the state. , noting that one community had recorded kidnapping incidents within the past two months.

“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 already arrested about 90 suspects in connection with kidnapping and related offences across the state, adding that some of those apprehended had begun 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 urged traditional rulers, community leaders and parents to caution youths against engaging in criminal activities.

He referred to a protest by youths in the Ilu-Abo area who blocked a road junction over recent kidnapping incidents, revealing that representatives of the community’s landlords’ association had earlier met with him to discuss measures to improve security in the area.

“Just yesterday, 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,” the governor said.

The governor explained that the meeting formed part of ongoing consultations with stakeholders aimed at preventing security threats before they escalate.

“This is the second meeting this year. As I promised before, these engagements will continue from time to time. It is not only when there are crises that we will meet,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa also revealed that intelligence reports indicated that some criminal elements displaced by security operations in neighbouring states such as Kwara State and Kogi State might be attempting to move into Ondo State.

According to him, many of the suspects reportedly move under the cover of cattle herding routes, using cattle as shields while travelling at night.

While noting that the government could not stop legitimate cattle trading, the governor stressed the need for collaboration with herders’ associations to identify criminal elements hiding within the system.

He warned that security agencies might be forced to intensify operations if cooperation was not forthcoming, a situation he said could also affect innocent herders and their cattle.

“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,” the governor stated.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Bola Taiwo, said the meeting was convened to enable leaders of the Fulani community to brief the governor on measures they intended to take to address insecurity in the state.

Also speaking, the Ondo State Chairman of MACBAN, Ali Abubakar Maunde, acknowledged that insecurity had become a concern for all stakeholders.

He said the association had been collaborating with government and security agencies, but emphasised that criminal activities should not be attributed solely to Fulani herders.

Maunde added that the association planned to engage Fulani communities across the state and collaborate with security agencies at the local government level to identify criminal elements.