..bans night/highway grazing
Due to the recent increase in the level of criminal activities in Ondo state, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN has given orders aimed at curbing the activities of herdsmen grazing across the state.
The governor ordered that 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.
He further banned night-grazing with immediate effect, noting that most farm destruction takes place at night.
The governor, who was disturbed by the rate of kidnapping recorded in the state, also ordered that movement of cattle within cities and highways is prohibited, adding that under-aged grazing of cattle is also outlawed.
“We have taken major steps at addressing the root cause of kidnapping, in particular, and other nefarious activities detailed and documented in security reports, the press and debriefings from victims of kidnap cases in Ondo State.
“These unfortunate incidents are traceable to the activities of some bad elements masquerading as herdsmen. 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 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.
“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”, he said.
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