Northern and South-West Governors Hold Urgent Security Meetings to Tackle Rising Insecurity and Kidnappings
Northern and South-West Governors Hold Urgent Security Meetings to Tackle Rising Insecurity and Kidnappings
In light of the escalating security challenges across the region, the 19 Northern governors have scheduled an emergency summit for November 29, 2025, in Kaduna State. This urgent meeting follows a recent dialogue among the South-West governors, held at the Oyo State Governor’s Office in Ibadan on Monday, where they discussed critical security concerns.
During that session, South-West leaders emphasized the urgent need for the creation of state police to confront the rising incidents of banditry and attacks. The Senior Special Assistant to Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, Peter Ahemba, confirmed the Northern governors’ upcoming meeting to our correspondent in Lafia, citing increasing worries over school closures and security threats.
Ahemba stated that the Northern governors’ gathering would focus on formulating actionable measures to combat the surge in kidnapping, banditry, and other security issues plaguing the region. Recently, the North has seen a spike in assaults on educational institutions, prompting many states to close schools temporarily.
Notably, last week, armed assailants attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, abducting at least 24 students and killing the vice principal. A few days later, gunmen raided St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, kidnapping over 300 students and staff, with 50 students managing to escape.
Addressing the media, Ahemba explained, “The Northern Governors have scheduled a meeting in Kaduna on November 29 to deliberate on the rising wave of insecurity, especially kidnappings and banditry. The goal is to identify concrete steps to address these threats.”
He added that Nasarawa State’s governor, who is also the Chairman of the North Central Governors Forum, had to cut short his trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to return and address the security challenges in the region. “He convened an emergency security meeting on November 24 to discuss strategies for preventing the escalation of violence, strengthening surveillance, and supporting security agencies in their efforts,” Ahemba said.
On the state’s own security measures, he assured, “Every necessary step is being taken. The government is on high alert, and security agencies are fully equipped and actively responding to the situation.”
Meanwhile, the South-West governors, meeting to bolster regional security, called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts in securing the vast forest belts that serve as hideouts for criminals. Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) attended, with Osun State’s governor, Ademola Adeleke, represented by his deputy.
In their communiqué, Sanwo-Olu stated that the forum reviewed the security situation and reaffirmed support for establishing state police, asserting that “the time is now and cannot be delayed.” The governors urged unity among the people of the region, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining peace and religious tolerance.
The forum also praised President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in combating insecurity, highlighting his administration’s recent successes in rescuing kidnapped students in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara States. They expressed solidarity with the federal government’s initiatives and announced plans to establish a South West Security Fund under the DAWN Commission, managed by the forum of security advisers from all South West states.
The regional leaders underscored their resolve to prioritize the safety of their citizens and property, taking decisive steps to address the security crises threatening the region’s peace and stability.
