Kidnapping: Aiyedatiwa warns sponsors, collaborators will face justice

—Meets community, Fulani leaders over criminals hiding among cattle rearers

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has vowed to deal decisively with kidnappers and their collaborators following rising security challenges in parts of the state over the past month.

The governor warned that no sponsor, godfather or collaborator involved in criminal activities would be spared once identified.

“If investigations trace any criminal activity to anyone, whether they have legitimate business or not, they will be treated like criminals. No godfather, sponsor or collaborator will be spared,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa made the remarks during a meeting with stakeholders and leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state to discuss security concerns, particularly the resurgence of kidnapping for ransom.

He expressed concern over the increasing cases of abduction in some communities, noting that one area had recorded three kidnapping incidents within the last two months.

According to him, criminal activities are often carried out by syndicates involving different actors.

“Crime is usually carried out by syndicates. Some provide information about people’s movements while others take victims into the forest,” the governor said.

He disclosed that security agencies had arrested about 90 suspects in connection with kidnapping and related crimes in the state, adding that investigations were ongoing.

The governor also urged traditional rulers, community leaders and parents to caution young people against engaging in criminal activities.

Referring to a recent protest by youths in the Ilu Abo area over the security situation, Aiyedatiwa said representatives of the community’s landlords’ association had earlier met with him to discuss measures to improve security.

“Just yesterday, representatives of the landlords’ association were here with me and we discussed steps to strengthen security in the area,” he said.

He added that he had directed the Commissioner of Police to deploy at least two patrol vehicles to the police post in the community.

While acknowledging residents’ concerns, the governor cautioned that protests could be hijacked by criminal elements if not properly managed.

“That is why we always advise that protest should not be the first line of action. When it starts, you may not know who joins it, and it can easily be hijacked,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa explained that the meeting with stakeholders formed part of ongoing consultations aimed at preventing security threats from escalating.

“This is the second meeting this year. These engagements will continue from time to time, not only when there are crises,” he said.

The governor also revealed that intelligence reports suggested that some criminal elements displaced by security operations in neighbouring states such as Kwara and Kogi might be attempting to move into Ondo State.

According to him, some suspects reportedly move along cattle grazing routes, sometimes using cattle movements as cover.

While noting that cattle rearing and trading remain legitimate economic activities, the governor stressed the need for cooperation with herders’ associations to identify criminal elements.

“We know many of you are engaged in legitimate businesses. However, there may be individuals who take advantage of the system. You are in a better position to help identify such elements,” he said.

He warned that security agencies might intensify operations if collaboration failed, noting that such actions could also affect innocent herders.

“As long as I remain governor, anyone can live and do legitimate business in any part of Ondo State. However, everyone must obey the law,” he added.

Aiyedatiwa also disclosed that the government was considering requests from the Fulani community to establish vigilante groups among their members to support security efforts, subject to approval and supervision by security agencies.

He further noted that the government was exploring ways to support surveillance activities within herders’ communities.

In his welcome address, the Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Bola Taiwo, said the meeting was convened to allow Fulani leaders brief the governor on steps being taken to address insecurity.

Speaking on behalf of Fulani leaders, the Ondo State Chairman of MACBAN, Ali Abubakar Maunde, said insecurity was a concern for all stakeholders.

He explained that representatives from the northern senatorial district were unable to attend the meeting due to the protest in their area.

Maunde said the association had been working with security agencies and government officials to address the situation, stressing that criminal activities should not be attributed to any single group.

“There are many people behind these crimes, not just Fulani alone. But we, as representatives of the Fulani community, are committed to eliminating criminal elements among us,” he said.

He added that the association planned to engage Fulani communities across the state and collaborate with security agencies at the local government level to identify and address criminal activities.

Maunde also proposed the creation of vigilante groups made up of herders familiar with forest routes and grazing areas, saying such initiatives could help strengthen security efforts.

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