Aiyedatiwa meets Miyetti Allah leaders over rising insecurity in Ondo

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo State, on Tuesday held a meeting with leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Fulani elders to address the growing security concerns in parts of the state.

The meeting, held at the governor’s office, brought together the leadership of the cattle breeders’ association as well as Fulani community leaders drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state.

During the engagement, the governor said the state government remained committed to eliminating criminal elements and restoring safety across affected communities.

Governor warns against harbouring criminals

Aiyedatiwa expressed concern about the recent increase in kidnappings, killings, and road blockades reported in parts of the state, particularly in the communities of Ilu-Abo and Uso.

He said security agencies were actively responding to the situation and had already arrested 99 suspects who are currently being interrogated over their alleged roles in the security incidents.

The governor also urged members of the Fulani community and cattle breeders to identify and report individuals involved in criminal activities, stressing that those responsible for crimes such as kidnapping would face the full weight of the law.

He noted that intelligence reports suggested that security operations carried out in neighbouring states had forced some criminal elements to relocate in search of new hideouts.

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According to him, such groups might attempt to infiltrate communities under the cover of cattle rearing activities, making cooperation between the government and pastoralist groups necessary to identify them.

MACBAN pledges cooperation with government

Responding during the meeting, Abubakar Mande, chairman of MACBAN in Ondo State, said the association would continue to work with the state government and security agencies to expose criminals operating within its ranks.

He emphasised that not all Fulani residents in the state were involved in criminal activities and that members of the community were equally interested in maintaining peace and stability.

Mande also noted that some cattle breeders had themselves been victims of attacks by criminal groups seeking to steal livestock.

The meeting comes amid renewed efforts by the Ondo State government to strengthen collaboration with community leaders and stakeholders as part of broader strategies aimed at addressing insecurity and preventing the infiltration of criminal groups into local communities.