In meeting with MACBAN, Aiyedatiwa vows intensified crackdown on kidnappers, warns sponsors
By Julius Alabi, Akure
Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and the State Police Command have intensified efforts to combat the rising cases of kidnapping, declaring that sponsors and collaborators will face decisive action.
The governor made the declaration on Tuesday during a meeting with stakeholders and leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) at his office in Akure, where security concerns across the state were reviewed.
Aiyedatiwa expressed deep concern over the resurgence of kidnapping incidents in some communities, revealing that one community had recorded three abduction cases in the last two months.
He described the trend as disturbing, noting that kidnapping operations are often carried out by organised syndicates involving both locals and outsiders who collaborate to identify victims and conceal them in forest locations.
According to the governor, some members of these networks provide intelligence on residents’ movements, while others transport victims to remote forest areas for ransom negotiations.
He disclosed that security agencies had arrested about 90 suspects in connection with kidnapping and related crimes across the state.
Aiyedatiwa added that several of those arrested had begun making confessional statements, aiding ongoing investigations.
The governor warned that anyone found sponsoring, aiding, or shielding criminals would face the full weight of the law, regardless of their social status.
“If investigations trace any criminal activity to anyone—whether they have legitimate business or not—they will be treated as criminals. No godfather, sponsor, or collaborator will be spared,” he said.
He also urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and parents to caution youths against engaging in criminal activities that could destabilise their communities.
Aiyedatiwa referred to a recent protest by youths in Ilu-Abo community, who blocked a major road over the kidnapping incidents, saying the action reflected growing frustration among residents.
He noted that representatives of the community’s landlords’ association had earlier met with him to discuss measures for strengthening security in the area.
As part of agreed steps, Aiyedatiwa said he had directed the Commissioner of Police to deploy additional patrol vehicles to the police post serving the affected community.
While acknowledging residents’ concerns, the governor cautioned against protests, warning that demonstrations could easily be hijacked by hoodlums and criminal elements.
He explained that although the protesting youths initially agreed to suspend their action after security agencies intervened, unknown individuals later took over the demonstration.
The governor said the meeting with Fulani leaders was part of ongoing consultations with critical stakeholders to address security challenges before they escalate.
He also revealed that intelligence reports indicated 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 suspects allegedly move under the cover of cattle herding routes, using cattle as shields while travelling at night.
However, Aiyedatiwa emphasised that the government would not disrupt legitimate cattle rearing activities, noting that livestock trading remains an important economic venture.
He therefore urged leaders of herders’ associations to assist security agencies by identifying and exposing criminal elements hiding within their ranks.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has intensified operations against kidnapping in the Ilu-Abo, Ayede, and Ogbese axis following security concerns.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, who visited the protesting community, assured residents that the command had adopted new operational strategies to restore normalcy.
As part of these measures, the police have established a Tactical Team Base in Ilu-Abo, comprising specially trained operatives from elite anti-kidnapping units.
The tactical team will operate 24 hours a day, conducting patrols, surveillance, and intelligence-driven raids across the affected communities and surrounding areas.
The police also disclosed that joint security operations, stop-and-search exercises, and forest combing had been intensified to dismantle kidnapping networks and prevent criminals from using forest terrains as hideouts.
Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to support ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and safety across the state.
