Summary
Governors from the South-West region convened a closed-door meeting on Monday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to address urgent matters affecting the zone.
The gathering, held at the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi, where Governor Seyi Makinde’s office is located, brought together key leaders from the region.
In attendance were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who also chairs the South-West Governors’ Forum, alongside Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, and the host, Governor Makinde.
Although officials did not immediately clarify the reason for the emergency meeting, political observers believe it is tied to the worsening security situation across the country. Recent attacks, including the abduction of schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger States and the kidnapping of worshippers in a church in Kwara State, have heightened regional concern.
According to reports, the governors are expected to examine the growing security risks, explore strategies to accelerate infrastructural development, and reinforce regional cooperation through the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN). The discussions are also likely to assess ongoing joint security operations, particularly the activities of the Amotekun Corps, with an emphasis on boosting its capacity to address new threats emerging across the South-West.
The meeting is anticipated to produce strengthened commitments toward safeguarding the region and advancing coordinated development efforts.
Security Fund
The governors harped on regional integration and agreed to create a South West Regional Security Fund to strengthen the region’s response to insecurity, especially rising incidents of kidnapping, banditry, illegal mining, and unregulated interstate migration.
The Forum said the fund would be managed by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and supervised by the special advisers on security from all six states.
It said the fund would support coordinated operations, joint intelligence sharing, and rapid response initiatives across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states.
The governors further expressed concern over unregulated interstate migration, calling for stricter border monitoring and collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to ensure proper identification of migrants and prevent criminal infiltration.
While raising the alarm over the rise in illegal mining activities, they called for a stronger licensing framework and tougher enforcement to curb environmental and security threats linked to unlawful mining operations.
The governors also approved the establishment of a live, digital intelligence-sharing platform that would enable real-time exchange of threat alerts, incident reports, and inter-state security communication.
On forest security, the governors urged the Federal Government to support the deployment of Forest Guards across the region to reclaim forest belts currently used as hideouts by criminal elements.
Mounting Concerns
The meeting by the governors came in the wake of recent attacks in some states in the North by bandits.
In Nige State, gunmen abducted over 300 children from the St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri.
In Kebbi, 25 girls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, were kidnapped, and the vice principal was killed by gunmen.
Last week, three people were killed when worshippers were abducted by bandits during an attack on a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, Kwara State.
On Sunday, the police confirmed the killing of five police officers in Bauchi State and the abduction of 12 female farmers in Borno State by bandits.
As insecurity worsens across different states, especially with rising kidnapping, banditry, and rural attacks, there have been calls on the state and federal governments to step up efforts to address the challenges.
What You Should Know
The emergency gathering of South-West governors in Ibadan underscores rising anxiety over nationwide insecurity.
With escalating kidnappings and attacks in neighbouring northern states, the region’s leaders are prioritising a unified response. Their discussions reportedly focus on enhancing Amotekun operations, addressing regional security vulnerabilities, and accelerating development through DAWN.
The meeting also signals increased collaboration among states to fortify collective safety and improve the region’s resilience amid national instability.
Although details are still emerging, the outcome is expected to shape the zone’s coordinated approach to policing, infrastructure, and long-term strategic planning.
