In response to the escalating security crisis in the region, the 19 Northern governors have scheduled an emergency meeting for November 29, 2025, to be held in Kaduna State.
The planned meeting is coming on the heels of a parley by the South-West governors, which took place at the Oyo State Governor’s Office in Ibadan, on Monday.
The South-West governors resolved that it was time for the creation of state police to address the growing incidents of bandit attacks.
Recall, in recent times, the Northern region has witnessed an increase in attacks on educational institutions, prompting several state governments to temporarily close schools.
Last week, armed attackers raided the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, abducting at least 24 schoolgirls and killing the vice principal.
Rising from their meeting convened to bolster security in their region, the South-West governors called on the Federal Government to urgently secure the forest across the region and vast forest belts that have become hideouts for the criminal elements.
Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) were personally in attendance, except Ademola Adeleke of Osun state, who was represented by his deputy.
Reading the communique after the meeting, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the forum reviewed the current state of security in the region and reaffirmed its support for the establishment of state police, emphasising that “The time is now and it can no longer be delayed.’’
The governors also called on all the South-West people to remain united and committed to the peace that exists in the region, adding that “We remain one, indivisible entity that will continue to enjoy and guard the religious tolerance that we have always been known.’’
“The forum commends President Bola Tinubu on the fight against insecurity and various economic reforms and other developmental agenda. The forum expresses solidarity with the Federal Government in its efforts in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States after the recent spate of kidnappings, at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, the Catholic institution of St. Mary’s in Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger and the CAC Church at Eruku, Kwara State.
“The forum applauds the swift response of the Federal Government towards the rescue of the Kwara abductees and more than 51 students of the Catholic School, Niger State. The forum reviewed the current state of security in our region and took some decisions to ensure the security of the lives and property of our people.
‘’South West Regional Security Fund: The forum agreed to set up a South West Security Fund under DAWN Commission to be administered by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security of all South West States.
