Insecurity: “We Need State Police Now”, South West Governors’ Forum Tells Tinubu
••••Launch Regional Security Fund
•By KAZEEM OYENIYI
IBADAN – CONCERNED by the insecurity challenges across the country, The South West Governors’ Forum has taken decisive steps to strengthen security across the region, calling for the immediate establishment of State Police and announcing the launch of a South West Regional Security Fund (SWSF) to protect lives and property.
The Forum, which includes the governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo States, met at the Governor’s Office Secretariat, Ibadan, on Monday to deliberate on critical issues affecting the South West, with security emerging as a top priority.
In attendance at the closed door meeting that lasted several hours are Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, Lagos state Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun while Osun State Governor was represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi.
In a communiqué that was read by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the end of the meeting, the Forum expressed solidarity with the Federal Government following recent attacks, including the abductions at Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Niger State, St. Mary’s Catholic institution in Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger, and the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Kwara State.
The communiqué applauded the swift Federal response, which led to the safe rescue of over 51 students in Niger State and other abductees in Kwara State.
The communiqué stated, “The Forum commends Mr. President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the fight against insecurity and various economic reforms and other developmental agenda. We express solidarity with the Federal Government in its efforts following the recent spate of kidnappings and applaud the swift response toward the rescue of the abductees.”
“To enhance regional security, the Forum resolved to establish the South West Regional Security Fund (SWSF) under the DAWN Commission, to be administered by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security and reviewed monthly. The communiqué stated,
“This Fund will support initiatives aimed at strengthening security infrastructure and rapid response across the region.”
“In addition, the Forum agreed to create a joint digital intelligence-sharing and communication platform linking all six South West States.
“This platform will exchange threat notifications, incident logs, traveler and cargo alerts and coordinate state-to-state rapid response.”
The communiqué highlighted the need for enhanced forest surveillance, noting that criminals have increasingly used forested areas as hideouts.
“The Forum calls on the Federal Government to secure the vast forest belts that have become hideouts for criminal elements. To this end, the Forum agrees that the Federal Government should help deploy Forest Guards across the South West States, with each State Government responsible for providing the required personnel.
“The Governors reaffirm their collective commitment to reclaiming the forests, and ensuring that these spaces no longer serve as safe-corridors for banditry, kidnapping, or any form of criminal activities.”
The Forum expressed concern over unregulated interstate migration, describing it as a significant security challenge.
The communiqué stated, “The Forum calls for stricter border monitoring, data collection and self-identification, and each South West State to work with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for proper identification. We agree to intensify security collaboration to ensure that interstate migration does not become a conduit for insecurity.”
Issues on Illegal mining activities were also addressed.
The communiqué emphasized, “The Forum expresses deep concern over the escalating illegal mining activities across the South West States, which continue to threaten environmental safety, public health and regional security. We call for comprehensive and enforceable licensing framework, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and strict enforcement actions against violators who may perpetrate violent crimes under the guise of mining.”
The Forum reaffirmed its support for the establishment of State Police, stating clearly in the communiqué,
“The Time is Now, and it can no longer be delayed.”
Commitment to Peace and Stability
Finally, the Forum called on all residents of the South West to remain united, stating, “We remain one, indivisible entity that will continue to enjoy and guard the religious tolerance that we have always been known for.”