Ondo gov gives herdsmen seven days to vacate forest reserves

Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, on Monday announced the prohibition of cattle movement within cities and highways in the state.

He also gave an ultimatum of seven days for herdsmen operating in the state to vacate its forest reserves.

Akeredolu gave the orders in a series of tweets aimed at addressing security challenges in the state.

The governor tweeted, “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 the light of the foregoing, the following orders are hereby issued: 1. 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.

2. Night-grazing is banned with immediate effect because most farm destruction takes place at night. 3. Movement of cattle within cities and highways is prohibited. 4. 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.”