Aiyedatiwa Issues 14-Day Ultimatum to Criminals Occupying Ondo Forests To Vacate

By Our Correspondent

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared a decisive crackdown on criminal elements, particularly kidnappers, who are using the state’s forest reserves as hideouts to perpetrate illicit activities.

The Governor has issued a 14-day ultimatum to all such individuals to vacate the forests or face severe consequences.

Governor Aiyedatiwa’s position was articulated on Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Forestry, Hon. Bidemi Joshua Obayangban, popularly known as O. C General, while speaking to journalists at the Akure Airport.

When asked how the state government intends to balance the vision of transforming the forestry sector with the prevailing security challenges, Hon. Obayangban emphasised that security remains the prerequisite for any meaningful development.

“A vision without maximum security to ensure the safety of investors, farmers, timber contractors and those conducting legitimate business across Ondo State’s forest reserves is effectively meaningless,” he stated.

“Consequently, the primary focus of the Aiyedatiwa administration is to flush out criminal elements from our forests. We are taking the battle directly to them. The government is fully committed to this objective and has finalised comprehensive plans to eliminate kidnapping and other illegal activities within our borders. It is important to note that all security agencies and hunters across Ondo State are in complete accord and are working in close collaboration with the government to achieve this. While the Governor prefers a discreet, action-oriented approach to security, I am authorised to state that the time for these criminals is up.”

Hon. Obayangban reiterated the urgency of the directive, adding, “I am using this opportunity to announce that the state government is giving these individuals 14 days to vacate Ondo State forests. Failure to comply will result in them meeting their Waterloo”, Obayangban boldly said.

He concluded by noting that economic growth is impossible in an environment of insecurity, describing the operation as the first phase of a broader strategy to revitalise the state’s forestry sector.