The South West Governors’ Forum on Monday rolled out a series of major security and development decisions after a closed-door meeting held at the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Ibadan.
The forum said its resolutions were aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, improving security, and advancing economic development across the South West.
This is coming amid heightened insecurity and kidnappings in Nigeria, including:
- The abduction of students at Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga.
- The kidnapping of students and teachers of St. Mary’s Catholic institution in Papiri, Niger State.
- And the attack and kidnapping of worshippers of the CAC Church in Eruku, Kwara.
The governors expressed solidarity with the federal government, praising the reported rescue of abductees in Kwara and more than 51 students in Niger State.
Major Resolutions from the Meeting
The governors approved the creation of a South West Security Fund, with security advisers from all six states jointly administering the fund and meeting monthly.
They also approved the creation of a live digital platform to enable real-time intelligence sharing among the states.
The system will coordinate alerts, incident reports, cargo and traveller monitoring, and rapid response collaboration.
The forum called for the immediate federal deployment of Forest Guards across the South West, with states providing personnel.
Governors vowed to “reclaim the forests” that have become havens for kidnappers and bandits.
The forum decried the rise in illegal mining, citing its environmental and security implications. They urged a stronger licensing system, enhanced monitoring, and tougher enforcement against violators.
Reaffirming their longstanding position, the governors declared that the establishment of state police “can no longer be delayed.”
