Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa Issues 14-Day Ultimatum for Forest Clearance

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has handed down a two-week deadline for criminal elements operating within the state's forest reserves to vacate these areas. This significant announcement was made by Mr. Bidemi Obayangban, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Forestry, during a press briefing with journalists on Wednesday in Akure.

Obayangban clarified that the governor's directive is specifically aimed at kidn*ppers and other lawbreakers who have established hideouts within the forests. He emphasized that this action is a crucial component of the administration's broader strategy to enhance security and foster a safe environment conducive to legitimate economic activities.

The Governor's aide underscored that robust security is a non-negotiable prerequisite for the state government's ambitions to develop the forestry sector and attract vital investments. He stated, and we quote, “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 further revealed that the administration has already finalized comprehensive plans to tackle kidn*pping and other illicit activities prevalent in the state's forests. According to Obayangban, security agencies are actively collaborating with local hunters across the state in these concerted efforts to restore peace and order to the forest reserves.

Obayangban reiterated the administration's firm resolve, asserting, “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 kidn*pping and other illegal activities within our borders.”

While acknowledging Governor Aiyedatiwa's preference for a discreet and action-oriented approach to security matters, Obayangban firmly stressed the government's unwavering determination to reclaim these forests from criminal groups. He then delivered the stern warning: “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.”

Finally, Obayangban highlighted that re-establishing security in the forests is equally vital for the government’s overarching plan to revitalize the forestry sector and promote lawful economic engagements. He concluded by noting the administration's understanding that sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved when farmers, investors, and other legitimate operators are constantly exposed to insecurity.