There was heavy protest in Akure, the Ondo State capital today, as residents stormed the streets in protest supporting the order by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to herdsmen to vacate forest reserves.
Among the protesters were commercial drivers, members of the Nigeria Forest Services known as Forest guards, farmers and traders, et al.
It could be recalled that Governor Akeredolu had ordered Fulani herdsmen to vacate all forest reserves in the State.
The governor said the decision was taken after his administration took major steps in addressing the cause of kidnapping and other nefarious activities detailed and documented in a security reports and press debriefing from victims of Kidnap cases in the state.
He also banned night grazing, underage grazing of cattle and movement of cattle within cities and highways.
Ever since, the governor has faced severe backlash from various quarters.
The Presidency, on January 20, had berated Akeredolu over his order to Fulani herdsmen in a State House press release issued by Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a similar vein, the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) condemned the quit notice to unregistered Fulani herders in a statement by its Director, Publicity and Advocacy, Dr Hakeem Abba.
Consequent upon the pressure from various quarters, protesters stormed the streets in solidarity with their governor.
The protesters were seen bearing placards with various inscriptions urging the Ondo Governor not to back down on his directive.
Some of the inscription read:
- “Akure South LG says no to rearing of cows in the night”
- “Aketi we are with you; bandits must leave Ondo”
- Kudos to our Aketi; criminals must be ejected from our forest reserves”, et al.
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