Moved by the security 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 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 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. The Governors emphasized, deep concern over the escalating illegal mining activities across the South West States, which continue to threaten environmental safety, public health and regional security thereby calling 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.