Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has declared war on criminal elements, particularly kidnappers hiding in forest reserves across the state to perpetrate illicit activities.

Consequently, he has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the criminals to vacate the forests or face severe consequences.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Forestry, Hon. Bidemi Joshua Obayangban, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Akure, the state capital.

Asked how the government intends to balance its vision of transforming the forestry sector with the prevailing security challenges, Obayangban said security remained a prerequisite for any meaningful development.

“A vision without maximum security to ensure the safety of investors, farmers, timber contractors and those conducting legitimate business across Ondo State’s forest reserves is effectively meaningless,” he said.

“Consequently, the primary focus of the Aiyedatiwa administration is to flush out criminal elements from our forests. We are taking the battle directly to them.”

Obayangban stated that the government had finalised comprehensive plans to eliminate kidnapping and other illegal activities within the state.

According to him, “It is important to note that all security agencies and hunters across Ondo State are in complete accord and are working in close collaboration with the government to achieve this.

“While the Governor prefers a discreet, action-oriented approach to security, I am authorised to state that the time for these criminals is up.”

He reiterated the urgency of the directive, saying: “I am using this opportunity to announce that the state government is giving these individuals 14 days to vacate Ondo State forests.

“Failure to comply will result in them meeting their Waterloo.”

The governor’s aide added that economic growth was impossible in an environment of insecurity.

He described the operation as the first phase of a broader strategy to revitalise the state’s forestry sector. (Vanguard, but headline reworked)