Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Sunday warned killer-herdsmen fomenting trouble in the State to either embrace peace or face the wrath of his Government.
Akeredolu, who reiterated his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and properties of the residents in the State, said that the vow he made to the people during the inauguration of his administration would continue to remain sacrosanct.
The Governor, who spoke during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day thanksgiving held at the St. David’s Cathedral Anglican Church, Akure, said the State Government would not hesitate to use force to checkmate the nefarious activities of the herdsmen if engagement failed.
“We have been using security agencies to engage the herdsmen to carry out their business peacefully, but when engagement fails, we will use force; we will confront the herdsmen with all we have,” Akeredolu said.
He condemned the repeated attacks on the farm of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, by some herdsmen.
He added that his Government would not allow criminal activities in the State.
The Governor also praised members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, especially the fallen heroes, for laying their lives for the unity of the country.
Akeredolu said: “We want to appreciate our fallen heroes because they are the reason we are here. They fought for the unity of the country and they deserve our respect and commendation.
“We must appreciate them because they have made great sacrifice for the living. They have done well. They are the people being sent to the troubled communities in the country to ensure peace.”
The Governor also praised the Security Forces for ensuring the success of the Amnesty Programme in the riverine area of the state.
Akeredolu used the occasion to canvass support for armed forces men and women who suffered one form of injury or the other in the cause of defending their fatherland.
“We owe them a lot for their sacrifices; they are true defenders,” he said.
