Ondo youths demand sanctions for monarchs harbouring criminals

Youths in Ondo State, under the aegis of Indigenous Youth Leaders, have called on the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to sanction any traditional ruler across the state who harbours criminals in their communities.

The group also expressed its readiness to support the state security network agency, also known as Amotekun, in the fight against criminals across the 18 local government areas of the state.

This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting in Akure the state capital on Wednesday.

The communiqué was signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation.

According to the communique, the indigenous youth leaders resolved to support the government to combat the crimes of drug abuse, prostitution, cultism, rape, terrorism and all other forms of social vices which are threats to the development of the state.

The youths further identified roles that must be played by traditional institutions and why they must provide support within their respective communities to curb the crimes.

They demanded that the government, register all immigrants to Ondo State and “no motorcycle rider should be allowed to wear unrevealing mask but use transparent helmets to avoid concealing of identity which is a new trend for many offenders.”

“Any traditional leaders caught providing tacit support to invaders be rejected by the youths of their respective community and extreme punitive measure should government intervention with such traditional rulers. ”

The youths also urged the government to “empower our traditional institutions to be able to work hand in hand with the youths of their community to safeguard their domains”

The communiqué read, “Any brothel involved in child/underaged prostitution or child trafficking be shut down and made to face the full wrath of the law. Sellers of illicit drugs must be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.

“The youths unequivocally reject the growing menace of drugs, giving the drug cartels and lords two options: Either desist from the business or leave Ondo State,” the statement read.

The group also called for redeployment of security personnel who have spent more than five to ten years above in the state.