Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Tuesday said some foreign herders were responsible for many criminal activities in the state forest reserves, lamenting that they have almost remained permanent in the government reserve.
Akeredolu spoke during a courtesy visit to his office by the zonal coordinator Zone ‘F’ of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), comprising Oyo, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti states, Mr Dora E Amahian
The governor, who charged the officers of the immigration service to heighten security at the land borders, said the rate foreigners were coming into the country through the land borders was alarming.
He charged the NIS to do more in securing the land borders so as to prevent unknown individuals from coming into the country without record and identity.
He said:”We all know what this service is established to do. It’s clear to us . The number of people who come into Nigeria through the land border is becoming alarming.
“knowing your efforts to secure our borders, we are worried about some foreigners that come in and are almost permanent in our forest reserve. I know a number of criminal activities that are being perpetrated in our reserves that are done by foreigners.
“Yes! Foreigners. They might be Fulanis but they are not Nigerians. I think there must be collaborations. Collaborations with other security agencies. That way you can function well and achieve more result. Collaborate with security agency like Amotekun.
“Peace is very important to us, not only in the Southwest or Ondo state but peace in the country. All over the country we are being ravaged by foreigners.”
Earlier in her address, Amahian appreciated the governor for the cordial relationship between him and the immigration service.
She said the passion of the governor for good governance and delivery of dividends of democracy have been seen in his ability to maintain peace as evident in the peaceful co-existence of the diverse people of the state.

By James Sowole