Protest is ongoing in Akure, Ondo state capital, in support of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s order to herders to vacate the state forest reserves.
The governor had on Monday issued a seven-day ultimatum to herdsmen to vacate forest reserves in the state, citing the spate of kidnapping and other criminal activities as reasons behind the order.
The order has ignited arguments between him and the presidency, as well as some Northern leaders, since Tuesday. Some South West leaders have also backed Akeredolu’s decision.
On Thursday morning commercial drivers, forest guards, farmers and traders stormed the streets of Akure protesting in support of the governor.
The protesters carried placards urging the Ondo Governor not to back down on his directive.
Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Jacob Adejo, said commercial drivers were no longer safe in the state. He said his members needed protection as herders attacked and kidnapped them with impunity.
