Ondo Governor Gives Criminals 14 Days to Leave State Forests

(Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Photo by The Sun Nigeria)

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has given criminals operating in the state's forests 14 days to leave.

The governor's senior aide on forestry announced the directive on Wednesday in Akure, saying it targets kidn@ppers and other criminals using the forests as hideouts.

The move is meant to improve security and create a safe environment for legitimate business.

According to the aide, security is necessary for the government's plans to develop the forestry sector and bring in investors.

A vision without proper security for investors, farmers, timber contractors and those doing honest business in the forests makes no sense.

The administration has completed plans to tackle kidn@pping and other criminal activities in the forests.

Security agencies and hunters across the state are working with the government to restore safety to the forest reserves.

The governor's focus is to drive criminal elements out of the forests and take the fight directly to them.

The government is fully committed and has finalised detailed plans to eliminate kidn@pping and illegal activities in the state.

The aide used the opportunity to announce the 14-day ultimatum, warning that failure to comply will result in criminals meeting their downfall.

Restoring security to the forests is also critical for the broader plan to revive the forestry sector and encourage legitimate economic activities.

The administration recognises that sustainable growth cannot happen when farmers, investors and other honest operators face insecurity.