Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has ordered herdsmen out of the state’s forest reserves over security concerns.
The governor gave the ultimatum today while meeting with leaders of Hausa/Fulani and Ebira Communities in the state.
Akeredolu said the decision is one of numerous major steps to address the root cause of kidnapping and other crimes in Ondo.
He said numerous accounts from kidnap victims have indicated that most kidnappers masquerade as herdsmen and use the forest reserves as hideouts for their operations.
In addition to the eviction notice, effective in seven days starting from Monday, the governor also banned night grazing, effective immediately, noting that it usually leads to destruction of farmlands.
He also outlawed underage grazing, and prohibited the movement of cattle within cities and highways.
