Akeredolu orders herders to vacate Ondo forest reserves

Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo, has ordered herders to vacate the forest reserves in the state.

In a series of Twitter posts on Monday, the governor said the decision is based on the state of insecurity in the state.

He said “bad elements” have turned the forest reserves into hideouts for keeping victims of kidnapping, negotiating for ransom and carrying out other criminal activities.

“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,” Akeredolu said.

“Night-grazing is banned with immediate effect because most farm destruction takes place at night.”

“Movement of cattle within cities and highways is prohibited. Under-aged grazing of cattle is outlawed.

“Our resolution to guarantee safety of lives and property within the State shall remain utmost as security agencies have been directed to enforce the ban.

“In its usual magnanimity, our administration will give a grace period of seven days for those who wish to carry on with their cattle-rearing business to register with appropriate authorities.”

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.

— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) January 18, 2021