Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has vowed that his administration would smoke out all criminals in the forest reserves.

According to Mr Aiyedatiwa, the criminals who recently infiltrated the state using the forest and farmsteads to terrorise the people are already feeling the heat.

He spoke at an interactive session with different youth groups and organisations at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, on Tuesday.

“We will not allow criminals to have comfort in our state. Right now, criminal elements who recently strayed into our forests and farmsteads are facing the heat.

“While we assure law-abiding citizens of protection, we shall continue to smoke out criminal elements that may threaten the peace and security of the state,” the governor said.

Mr Aiyedatiwa assured that his government was working closely with security agencies to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure a safer environment.

The governor stressed that his administration was making efforts to empower youths and ensure a safe, prosperous future for all citizens of the state.

He said the state government has begun implementing impactful initiatives such as the payment of WAEC and NABTEB fees for students, scholarships and bursaries for undergraduates, the recruitment of over 2,000 teachers, and the renovation of educational facilities across the state.

“We have provided nano grant as business support to 5,000 youths, engaged 15,000 young people in labour-intensive public workforce programmes, and officially opened Youth Skill Centres across the state under the One-Youth-One-Skill Scheme,” Mr Aiyedatiwa said.

The governor promised more employment and empowerment opportunities for young people. He urged them to take advantage of the administration’s policies and programmes.

“Let us not dissipate our God-given talents and energies on negative tendencies. We must work together to promote peace, build community, and unleash your potential. We believe in you and are committed to supporting you,” he added.

Remarking, the senior special assistant to the governor on youth empowerment and job creation, Orioye Gbayisemore, acknowledged Mr Aiyedatiwa’s efforts in prioritising youth development and job creation.

He, however, urged the youth to take ownership of the administration’s vision and play active roles in building a progressive Ondo State

Earlier, the commander of the Amotekun Corps in the state, Adetunji Adeleye, briefed the gathering on the agency’s efforts in combating the state’s security challenges.

He emphasised that despite the challenges, Amotekun remains undeterred and is fully committed to ensuring the safety of citizens.

Mr Adeleye called for collective action and collaborative efforts to address the state’s security challenges.