By Chris Chimezie
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Worried by the increasing rate of kidnapping in Ondo state, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and Security Chiefs have charged Miyetti Allah to join hands with the security agencies in ensuring that the  kidnappers terrorising people of the state are arrested.

Governor Akeredolu gave the charge at a meeting held with the heads of the security agencies and leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Rearers and the Hausa community, at the Governor’s Office, Akure.

He stressed that his administration would not fold its arms and allow the peaceful nature of the Sunshine State which, he said has been attracting investors into the state to be truncated by misguided elements.

Akeredolu added that the state government would henceforth ensure that the full  weight  of the law falls hard on any person or group of persons found to be directly or indirectly aiding acts of criminality in the state.

Similarly, the Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade Akure, Brig. Gen. James Ataguba, said the leaders of the Miyetti Allah must call their members to order and get those in captivity released immediately, otherwise the criminals won’t be shown mercy when caught.

He said his men are joining forces with other security agencies in the state to end the ugly and worrisome trend.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Gbenga Adeyanju, represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, ACP Tijani, said the security agencies were battle ready to make the state uncomfortable for kidnappers.

He said criminals would not be given breathing space in the state, hence the urgent need for them to desist from their evil deeds.

Also, Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command Pedro Awili Ideba said it would be better for the leaders of Miyeti Allah and the Hausa community to cooperate with security agencies to fish out those threatening the peace of the state among them rather than allow miscreants tarnish their reputation.

The leaders agreed to assist and cooperate with security agencies to rid the state of any form of criminality in no time.

The State Chairman of Miyeti Allah,  Alhaji Bello Mohammed promised to expose whoever is found wanting among his people as he was no longer prepared to continue to bear the blames of unscrupulous persons within his members.

The Seriki Hausa of Ikare, Alhaji Ibrahim Angolo who prayed that those aiding or abetting abductors in the state would be exposed very soon, suggested an all-ethnic vigilante squad.

Earlier in the day, Governor Akeredolu had held long hours of meeting with royal fathers from across the state as well as the newly inaugurated Interim Caretaker Chairmen.

Before the meeting went into closed door session, the governor expressed deep concern about reported cases of kidnapping in parts of the state.

He urged the monarchs to join hands with the state government and the security agencies to arrest the situation, saying government cannot fold its arms and allow the peace of the state be threatened by criminals.