Insecurity: Akeredolu gives herders 7-day ultimatum to vacate forests, bans night grazing
By Abolaji Adebayo
Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has given the Fulani herdsmen and all other herders in the state seven days ultimatum to vacate forest reserves while banning night grazing.
The Governor said the steps were taken in order to address the root cause of kidnapping, in particular, and other nefarious activities detailed and documented in security reports, the press and debriefings from victims of kidnap cases in Ondo State.
He said the unfortunate incidents are traceable to the activities of some bad elements masquerading as herdsmen.
A statement said the felons have turned the forest reserves into hideouts for keeping victims of kidnapping, negotiating for ransom and carrying out other criminal activities.
The statement read in part: “All Forest Reserves in the State are to be vacated by herdsmen within the next 7 days with effect from today, Monday 18th January, 2021.
“Night-grazing is banned with immediate effect because most farm destruction takes place at night.
“Movement of cattle within cities and highways is prohibited.
“Under-aged grazing of cattle is outlawed. Our resolution to guarantee safety of lives and property within the State shall remain utmost as security agencies have been directed to enforce the ban.
“In its usual magnanimity, our administration will give a grace period of seven days for those who wish to carry on with their cattle-rearing business to register with appropriate authorities.”
