Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Monday ordered immediate evacuation of herdsmen from the Ondo State forest reserves. 

In a statement on his official Twitter handle, Mr. Akeredolu, who traced the recent killings and kidnappings in the state to the activities of herdsmen, noted that the order takes effect from Monday.

According to the governor, “movement of cattle within cities and highways is prohibited.”

Earlier this month, Amotekun operatives this month reportedly clashed with suspected herdsmen in Aiyete, Ibarapa North, Oyo State.

Reports said several houses were razed during the clash, but herders association Miyetti Allah said the reports were untrue as the herdsmen were only complimenting the efforts of security agencies to clamp down on armed kidnappers in the area.

Read Mr. Akeredolu’s statement below

“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..

“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.

“As the Chief Law and Security Officer of the State, it is my constitutional obligation to do everything lawful to protect the lives and property of all residents of the State. In light of the foregoing, the following orders are hereby issued:

“All Forest Reserves in the state are to be vacated by herdsmen within the next seven days with effect from today, Monday 18th January, 2021.

“Night-grazing is banned with immediate effect because most farm destruction takes place at night.”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.”