Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has assured residents that governors across the South-West region are working closely together to tackle insecurity and strengthen safety measures amid growing concerns over criminal activities in parts of the country.
The governor made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, where he addressed recent security challenges facing several states within the region.
His comments come against the backdrop of increasing reports of kidnappings and abductions in some South-West states, including the recent kidnapping of students and teachers in Oyo State and another abduction incident in the Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
The incidents have heightened public concern over the security of lives and property, prompting calls for stronger collaboration among state governments and security agencies.
Responding to questions about the readiness of South-West governors to confront the security challenges, Aiyedatiwa stressed that regional leaders were already coordinating efforts and implementing strategies aimed at protecting residents.
“What I am saying in essence is that we are talking to ourselves; we are working,” the governor said.
He disclosed that governors recently met in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to discuss practical measures for strengthening security cooperation across the South-West geopolitical zone.
“The other day we had a meeting in Oyo State, in Ibadan, where we tried to map out what we need to do together to secure the South-West geopolitical zone, especially with our security network, Amotekun,” he stated.
According to the governor, the regional security outfit remains a critical component of efforts to combat crime and improve intelligence gathering across member states.
“Don’t forget we have it in Ondo State, Oyo State, Ekiti State, and Ogun State. It is only in Lagos State that they don’t have it, but they have their own security,” he added.
Aiyedatiwa noted that Ondo State occupies a strategic position as one of the entry points into the South-West and therefore requires heightened security attention due to its proximity to several neighbouring states.
“Now, for us in Ondo State and other South-West states, we stand as a gateway to the South-West because we border a lot of other states from other parts of the country,” he explained.
The governor said significant security operations are being carried out behind the scenes, particularly within forest reserves and vulnerable areas often exploited by criminal elements.
“A lot of engagements are going on in our forest reserves that do not come to the public in the news,” he said.
He maintained that governments across the region are investing considerable effort in security operations, although much of the work remains unseen by the public.
“So much work is being done. Security is one responsibility that leaders carry that is not so visible to everybody.
”It is only when there is a lapse that it will look as if the government has not been doing enough. We have been doing so much,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
The governor also reacted to the recent conviction of individuals linked to the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, describing the judgment as a major victory for justice and the rule of law.
The attack, which shocked the nation, claimed the lives of more than 40 worshippers and left many others injured after gunmen opened fire during a church service.
In a landmark ruling delivered four years after the incident, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sentenced four suspects connected to the attack to death by hanging.
The convicted individuals were among five defendants standing trial on a nine-count terrorism charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) over their alleged involvement in the massacre.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Aiyedatiwa said residents of Owo and the entire Ondo State were pleased with the outcome of the case.
“For us in Ondo State, we are happy that this judgment is a victory for the rule of law and for all the victims attacked, not just in Owo, Ondo State, but all who have been attacked at one time or the other by these terrorists,” the governor said.
He noted that the verdict sends a strong message that acts of terrorism and violent crimes will not go unpunished, while also offering a measure of closure to families affected by the tragic attack.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies and collaborating with neighbouring states to ensure that criminal elements are denied safe havens within the South-West region.
