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 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 communiqué 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.