Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has warned criminals and their sponsors operating in the state, declaring that his administration would deal decisively with kidnappers and their collaborators, regardless of status or influence.

Aiyedatiwa gave the warning during a security meeting with stakeholders and leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

The governor, while urging traditional rulers, community leaders and parents to caution youths against engaging in criminal activities, frowned on the protest by youths at the Ilu-Abo area over incessant kidnappings and killings.

He, however, urged leaders of the Miyetti Allah to provide intelligence that would help security agencies identify criminals.

Chairman of the state chapter of MACBAN, Ali Abubakar Maunde, who spoke on behalf of Fulani leaders, said that insecurity in the state had become a concern for all stakeholders.

Maunde said that the association had been collaborating with security agencies and government officials, but stressed that criminal activities should not be blamed solely on Fulani herders.

MEANWHILE, a South-West geopolitical group, Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum, has flayed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the increasing wave of insecurity, including ferocious attacks on military command posts and bases, as well as the large-scale displacement of villagers in many states, particularly the recent incidents in Borno State.

In a statement signed by its President, Akin Malaolu, the group said it was compelled to warn Nigerians that the continued escalation of crimes across the country could give rise to separatist movements that may

ALSO, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has warned state governors against abuse of the proposed state police structure following rising cases of kidnapping and banditry across the South-West.

National Publicity Secretary of the group, Jare Ajayi, gave the warning during an interview yesterday on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, where he expressed concern over what the organisation described as increasing security threats in the region.

According to Ajayi, concerns about the potential misuse of state police by the governors are understandable, such fears should not prevent the country from adopting stronger security structures needed to tackle criminal activities.