A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Mr Omoyele Olabode, has charged Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to match his 14-day vacate order to criminal elements in the state’s forest reserves with decisive action, saying security remains the foundation for economic growth in the state.
Olabode who commended the governor’s ultimatum to kidnappers and other criminals, described the directive as timely and bold.
It would be recalled that Aiyedatiwa had last week, through his Senior Special Assistant on Forestry, Mr. Bidemi Obayangban, given kidnappers and other criminal elements operating in Ondo forest reserves 14 days to vacate the forests or face a crackdown.
Obayangban had said the administration was determined to reclaim the forests and that failure to comply would make the criminals “meet their waterloo”.
He added that the move was critical to revitalising the forestry sector and protecting farmers, investors and other legitimate operators.
Reacting to the development in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday, Olabide, founder of the Olabode Humanitarian Foundation, said the governor’s action-oriented approach to security was commendable.
He said: “The decision of Aiyedatiwa to issue a 14-day ultimatum to kidnappers and criminal elements hibernating in our forest reserves is a welcome development. It shows a government that is listening to the cries of farmers, timber contractors and rural dwellers who have been at the mercy of these marauders.”
The Lagos-based real estate developer however urged the state government to go beyond the pronouncement and ensure full enforcement in collaboration with security agencies, Amotekun Corps and local hunters.
According to him, the administration had already indicated that it was working with security agencies and hunters to flush out criminals and restore peace to the affected areas.
“A vision without maximum security to ensure the safety of investors, farmers and those conducting legitimate business across Ondo forest reserves is effectively meaningless. This ultimatum must therefore be followed with sustained combing of the forests.
“The primary focus now should be to take the battle directly to them and eliminate kidnapping and other illegal activities threatening our people. Our forests must no longer be safe havens for criminals,” Olabode noted.
He also called on stakeholders, traditional rulers and residents of forest communities to support the government with timely intelligence, stressing that security is the business of all.
He expressed optimism that with the discreet and action-driven strategy adopted by the Aiyedatiwa administration, Ondo State would reclaim its forests for legitimate economic activities.