Aiyedatiwa to kidnappers: Leave Ondo forests in 14 days or face crackdown

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has given kidnappers and other criminals operating in the state’s forest reserves 14 days to vacate the forests in the state.

Aiyedatiwa made this known via his Senior Special Assistant on Forestry, Bidemi Obayangban, in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

Obayangban said the governor’s directive was particularly targeted at kidnappers and other criminals using forests as hideouts.

Obayangban said it was part of measures to improve security and create a safe environment for legitimate economic activities.

The governor’s aide said security remained a prerequisite for the Ondo State Government’s plans to develop the forestry sector and attract investors.

“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.

Obayangban added that the Aiyedatiwa administration had concluded plans to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in Ondo State forests.

Obayangban disclosed that security agencies and hunters across the state are collaborating with the government in the effort to restore security to the forest reserves.

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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.

“The government is fully committed to this objective and has finalised comprehensive plans to eliminate kidnapping and other illegal activities within our borders.”

Obayangban said Aiyedatiwa preferred a discreet and action-oriented approach to security matters, but stressed that the government was determined to reclaim the forests from criminals.

The governor’s aide added: “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.”