In a bid to guarantee peace and socio-economic development in the State, the Governor has deployed more manpower into the security outfit to compliment government effort.

Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has recruited men and officers into the state chapter of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun.

Confirming the development, Adetunji Adeleye, commander of the corps in the state, stated in an interview with newsmen on Friday.

“The governor has ordered massive recruitment to the corps. The recruitment is free. You can download the form on our website,” Adeleye said.

Donald Ojogo, commissioner for information, also confirmed reports of the recruitment in a text message to TheCable.

“We have not repudiated the story,” he said.

On Monday, Akeredolu had ordered herders to vacate the forest reserves over rising insecurity in the state

He had said “bad elements” have turned the forest reserves into hideouts for keeping victims of kidnapping, negotiating ransom and carrying out other criminal activities.

The governor’s directive had sparked different reactions, with Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, saying the governor could not unilaterally oust thousands of herders “who have lived all their lives in the state”.

But Afenifere, Yoruba sociopolitical group, said Shehu’s response showed that President Muhammadu Buhari’s government prioritise Fulani interests above those of other ethnic groups.

The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) had asked herders to disregard the governor’s directive.