NIGERIA: Akeredolu Asks Herdsmen To Vacate Ondo Forest Reserves

Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has ordered herdsmen to vacate the state’s forest reserves within seven days.

Akeredolu said in a statement posted to Twitter on Monday  :

“Today we have taken major steps at addressing 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,” the statement reads.

“These unfortunate incidents are traceable to the activities of some bad elements masquerading as herdsmen. These felons have turned our forest reserves into hideouts for keeping victims of kidnapping, negotiating for ransom and carrying out other criminal activities.”

The governor gave the following orders saying, “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 the 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.”

Since the fall of Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, there is a massive trading of illegal weapons in the west African region.  The International Crisis Group (ICG) reported that “in the first half of 2018, more than 1,300 Nigerians have died in violence involving herders and farmers”.

Since the fall of Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, there is a massive trading of illegal weapons in the west African region.  The International Crisis Group (ICG) reported that “in the first half of 2018, more than 1,300 Nigerians have died in violence involving herders and farmers