Ondo State has denied claims it formed an armed vigilante manned by members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association.
It accused those behind the stories of premeditated mischief.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, in a statement explained Governor Rotimi Akeredolu was swift in his reaction to the development.
“Not only did he disown the move, if at all. He indeed, ordered the Police to effect the arrest of anyone or group which parades itself as Fulani Vigilante.”
The statement added: “The Ondo State Government has witnessed with utmost dismay, an orchestrated campaign in respect of the above subject matter.
“The intention of the sponsors and their echoers is undoubtedly, to discredit the administration of Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN and ostensibly, incite the people against the Ondo State Government.
“It is pertinent to recall that upon the circulation of the story in the social media about the purported formation of an armed vigilante group by the Miyetti Allah, Governor Akeredolu was swift in his reaction to the development. Not only did he disown the move, if at all.
“He indeed, ordered the Police to effect the arrest of anyone or group which parades itself as Fulani Vigilante. The Governor’s position was decisive even as it was pointedly consequential.
“At the risk of repeating himself, Governor Akeredolu reaffirmed the position of Government on Tuesday, July 23 when he was accosted by reporters who sought further information on the matter.
“The leadership of the Miyetti Allah in the State has equally disowned the report and has even provided further insights into actionable steps to deal with whoever conducts self in a manner that do not conform with the position of Government.
“Succinctly therefore, the scheming media spins on the issue can only be the handiwork of divisive elements and their collaborators whose defeated desire is to demarket the Ondo State Government through unfounded claims and gross mischief.
“The position of Governor Akeredolu on this matter stands. Government will not allow armed Fulani Vigilante in any part of Ondo State.”
