Ondo Gives Kidnappers, Criminals 14 Days to Leave Forest Reserves

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has given kidnappers and other criminals operating in the state’s forest reserves 14 days to vacate the areas or face government action.

The governor’s directive was disclosed by his Senior Special Assistant on Forestry, Bidemi Obayangban, during an interview with journalists in Akure on Wednesday.

Obayangban said the order was specifically aimed at criminals allegedly using the forests as hideouts, particularly kidnappers. He said the move was part of the government’s efforts to improve security and create a safer environment for legitimate economic activities.

According to him, security is essential to the state’s plans to develop its forestry sector and attract investors. He noted that farmers, timber contractors, investors and other legitimate operators could not safely conduct business in areas affected by criminal activities.

Obayangban said the administration had concluded plans to tackle kidnapping and other forms of crime in the forests, with security agencies and hunters across the state working with the government.

He said the government was taking the campaign directly to criminal elements and was determined to reclaim the forest reserves. The forestry adviser added that the administration had adopted a discreet but action-oriented approach to security operations.

Obayangban warned that criminals who failed to leave the forests within the 14-day deadline would face government action.

He added that securing the forest reserves was also central to the government’s broader plan to revitalise the forestry sector and encourage legitimate economic activity across Ondo State.