FIC Report (Ondo State) – Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has vowed that his administration will decisively tackle kidnappers and their collaborators, warning that no sponsor or godfather of criminal activities will be spared once identified.
The Governor made this declaration on Tuesday during a meeting with stakeholders and leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Ondo State at his office. The meeting focused on security concerns, particularly the recent rise in kidnapping incidents.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed concern over the increasing cases of abduction in some parts of the state, noting that one community had recorded three kidnapping incidents within the past two months, which he described as disturbing.
“Crime is usually carried out by syndicates.
Some Fulani, some locals, some provide information about movements while others take victims into the forest,” the Governor said.
He revealed that security agencies had arrested about 90 suspects in connection with kidnapping and related crimes across the state, adding that several of the suspects had already made confessional statements.
“If investigations trace any criminal activity to anyone, whether they have legitimate businesses or not, they will be treated like criminals. No godfather, sponsor or collaborator will be spared,” he warned.
The Governor also urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and parents to caution youths against involvement in criminal activities.
Referring to the protest by youths in Ilu-Abo, where residents blocked a road junction over the security situation, the Governor said representatives of the community’s landlords’ association had earlier met with him to discuss measures to improve security in the area.
“Just yesterday, representatives of the landlords’ association were here with me and we discussed what needs to be done. I have directed the Commissioner of Police to deploy at least two vehicles immediately to the police post in that area as requested. Despite that, the protest still went ahead,” he explained.
While acknowledging the frustrations of residents, Governor Aiyedatiwa criticized the protest, noting that such actions could easily be hijacked by hoodlums.
“That is why we always say protest should not be the first line of action. When it begins, you cannot control who joins. Once it is hijacked, other crimes may follow,” he said.
The Governor explained that the meeting with stakeholders formed part of ongoing consultations aimed at preventing security threats before they escalate.
“This is the second meeting this year. As promised, these engagements will continue regularly. We should not only meet during crises,” he said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also disclosed that intelligence reports suggested some criminal elements displaced by security operations in neighbouring states such as Kwara and Kogi might be attempting to infiltrate Ondo State.
According to him, some of the suspects reportedly move under the cover of cattle herding routes, using cattle as shields while travelling at night.
He noted that the government could not stop legitimate cattle rearing activities, as cattle trading remains an important economic venture. However, he emphasized the need for cooperation with herders’ associations to identify criminals hiding among them.
“We know many of you are engaged in legitimate businesses, but some criminals rustle cattle or use them as cover to move across territories. You are in the best position to identify them because you know your profession and your people. Some of your members are also victims of cattle rustling,” he said.
The Governor warned that security agencies might intensify operations if cooperation was not forthcoming, which could inadvertently affect innocent herders and their livestock.
He therefore urged leaders of the association to provide intelligence that would assist security agencies in identifying criminal elements.
“As long as I remain Governor, everyone is free to live anywhere in the country, including Ondo State. However, anyone living here must obey the laws of the land and conduct their business lawfully,” he added.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also revealed that the state government was considering a request from the Fulani community to establish vigilante groups among their members to support security operations. He noted that such groups would require proper approval and supervision by security agencies.
In addition, the government is exploring ways to provide logistics support for surveillance within the herders’ communities.
In his welcome address, the Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Bola Taiwo, stated that the meeting was organized to enable leaders of the Fulani community brief the Governor on steps being taken to address insecurity in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Fulani leaders, the Chairman of the Ondo State chapter of MACBAN, Ali Abubakar Maunde, said insecurity had become a major concern for all stakeholders.
He noted that representatives from the Northern Senatorial District were unable to attend the meeting due to the ongoing protest in their area.
Maunde stated that the association had been working closely with security agencies and government officials but emphasized that criminal activities should not be attributed solely to Fulani herders.
“There are many people behind these crimes, not just Fulani alone.
However, we as leaders of the Fulani community are working day and night to eliminate criminal elements among us,” he said.
He also disclosed plans for the association to engage Fulani communities across the state and collaborate with security agencies at the local government level to identify and eliminate criminals.
Maunde further proposed the establishment of Fulani vigilante groups made up of herders familiar with the forests and grazing routes to help improve security.
Dignitaries present at the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Senior Special Assistant on Security Matters, Hon. Olugbenga Atiba; Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters, Mr. Smart Omodunbi; Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (Central), Hon. Femi Fadairo; and Special Assistant on Non-Indigene, Hausa (South), Issa Umar Mohammed.
Akinbiola Funmilayo
Federal Information Centre, Akure
10 March 2026
