Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, has declared the establishment of state police non-negotiable in efforts to tackle Nigeria’s escalating insecurity.
Speaking on Wednesday while hosting his southern counterparts at his country home in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area, Abiodun said recent coordinated attacks targeting schoolchildren and worshippers had shown that no region in the country is insulated from banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.
Governors in attendance included Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Alex Otti (Abia), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo). Deputy governors present included Kola Adewusi (Osun), Bayo Lawal (Oyo), Peter Odey (Cross River), and Dennis Idahosa (Edo).
Abiodun praised President Bola Tinubu for his “exceptional leadership” in recent rescue operations, noting the President personally coordinated responses to the spate of abductions.
He emphasised that devolving policing powers to states would strengthen grassroots security, improve intelligence gathering, and enhance protection for schools, farmlands, border communities, and critical infrastructure.
“Distinguished colleagues, as we deliberate on the security architecture of Southern Nigeria, it is important to state clearly that the creation of state police remains a non-negotiable component of our collective demand for true federalism and effective grassroots security,” Abiodun said.
READ ALSO: “Infrastructure development will reach all parts of Ogun State” – Abiodun reassures residents
He added that the Southern Governors’ Forum would also meet with traditional rulers, describing them as “custodians of culture” and “the closest authority to the grassroots,” to reinforce community-based security.
Abiodun warned that the spread of insecurity demonstrated that geography was no longer a guarantee of safety, particularly in a region with seaports, major highways, and industrial corridors. He stressed the need for a unified Southern position on national security reforms.
The meeting comes amid renewed outrage over mass abductions across northern Nigeria. Last week, over 300 pupils and 12 teachers were kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, days after 26 schoolgirls were abducted in Maga, Kebbi State. Additionally, a church vigil in Eruku, Kwara State, was attacked, leaving three worshippers dead and 38 abducted.
President Tinubu, who postponed planned trips abroad, has announced that all 38 Kwara worshippers and 51 Niger pupils have been rescued, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to address the security crisis.
