Aiyedatiwa meets Miyetti Allah, other Fulani leaders as protest over kidnappings rocks Ondo

By Segun Giwa

Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Tuesday urged leaders of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to rid themselves of bad eggs and also continue to expose criminals in their midst.

Aiyadatiwa said this at a meeting with the MACBAN leaders over the spate of insecurity in the state.

The other Fulani elders from the three senatorial districts also attended the meeting.

Aiyedatiwa, during the meeting in his office, said the state government would not rest to ensure that the state was rid of criminal elements.

“According to some intelligence reports, the recent operations in Kogi and Kwara States to dislodge some criminal elements has made them think the state would be a safe haven, but they are wrong.

“This meeting is not holding for the first time. You need to rid yourselves of bad eggs and also report any criminal elements you notice.

“Anyone found sponsoring criminal activities, including kidnapping, in Ondo State will face the full weight of the law,” he said.

The governor, who expressed concern over the recent spate of kidnapping, killings and road blockades in some parts of the state, particularly Ilu-Abo and Uso communities, stressed that “security agencies were on top of the situation”.

He said security agencies had, so far, arrested 99 suspects who were currently making statements regarding various degrees of involvement in the crises across the state.

According to him, those genuinely doing the business of cattle rearing can’t be deprived because there are criminals that normally hide within the cows, we should now stop them from doing their business.

“You will be able to know if they are genuine or have rushed to some cattle breeders, using them as shield to gain entrance to another territory, because you are in that profession.

“You know yourselves and your people. Some of your people are also being attacked to take their cattle, that is why we have to work together. It is very, very important because it is the only way.

“As long as I’m on this seat, myself and other members of the government have resolved that anybody can live freely in any part of the country, including Ondo State.

“But the caveat is, when you are here, obey the law of the land. Do your business, go about your enterprise, your legitimate enterprise, without fear.

“That is what we have to provide for everyone, an enabling environment for everyone to live well, to be protected and to do their businesses. Let’s coexist.

“Now, we have been noticing kidnapping for ransom, which used to be very rampant. It reduced before but recently, it’s coming up again.

“I begin to wonder, where is this coming from again? that is why we must not rest on our oars. We have to wake up and tackle it together, “he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of MACBAN in Ondo State, Alhaji Abubakar Mande, said the association would continue to cooperate with the government to expose criminals within their ranks in order to ensure a peaceful society.

Mande added that the association remained committed to providing intelligence and all necessary support to promote a safer and crime-free Ondo State.

“Not all Fulani living in the state are criminals. The peace of the state is our own peace too,” he said.

Some residents of Ilu-Abo in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on had Tuesday blocked the Akure/Owo highway over alleged incessant killings and kidnappings in the area.

The protesters alleged that one of the residents was killed in his farm by suspected gunmen on Tuesday morning.

The residents, mostly youths, prevented the free flow of traffic, leaving motorists stranded on the expressway.

The protesters were carrying placards with various inscriptions such as “We Are Dying, Save Our Soul”, “Mr Governor, Please Assist Us”, “Our Children Are in Danger and”, “We Cannot Go to Farms Again” among others.

One of the residents, who identified himself as Joseph Adee, told newsmen that they could not go to their farms due to the incessant kidnappings and killings in the area.

The protesters appealed to the government to help them tackle the insecurity that is ravaging the area.

“We will not leave here unless Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa come to address us because we can no longer go to our farms due to insecurity,” he said.

Addressing the protesters, Mr Adebowale Lawal, the Commissioner of Police in the state, appealed to them to allow free vehicular movement, but was rebuffed.
Lawal assured the residents that the security agencies including the Amotekun Corps and the police would ensure the safety of lives and property.

The CP promised to deploy additional policemen and tactical units to check the insecurity, assured that police operatives with other security agencies would beef up security in the communities.

“We are fully aware of your grievances, concerted efforts are ongoing to address the prevailing security challenges in the area.

“Police and other security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all residents,” he said.

The police boss also visited the traditional ruler of Ilu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae, and told him the efforts being made by security agencies to curb insecurity in the area.

Gunmen recently kidnapped a woman, and a couple, while a businessman was shot which resulted in his death in Ilu-Abo.

On Monday, Mr Joseph Aladesuyi, the Secretary of Okeluju Local Council Development Area (LCDA) under Akoko North-West Local Council Area of the state, was kidnapped alongside two others in his farm at Ilu-Abo by gunmen.
(NAN)