Governors of the 17 southern states met on Wednesday in Ogun State to review pressing regional concerns and renew their collective call for the creation of state police as insecurity intensifies across the country.

The meeting, hosted by Ogun State governor and chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF), Prince Dapo Abiodun, took place at his private residence in Iperu Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area. It focused on strengthening regional cooperation, harmonising development priorities, and reinforcing political collaboration with traditional institutions.

In his opening remarks, Abiodun said the gathering reflected more than shared geography—describing it as a union built on “common aspirations, shared challenges, and a collective commitment to a stable and prosperous future for the southern region.”

He noted that the spirit of unity that once guided the old Southern Protectorate remained relevant today, adding that such historical consciousness was vital in navigating the complexities of Nigeria’s current federal structure.

Abiodun stressed that the worsening security situation and economic pressures placed Nigeria at a decisive moment that required coordinated regional leadership. According to him, recent mass abductions in schools, worship centres, and rural communities proved that “no region is insulated from organised criminality or violent extremism.”

Governors present included Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Alex Otti (Abia), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo). Others joined through their deputies: Kola Adewusi (Osun), Bayo Lawal (Oyo), Peter Odey (Cross River), and Dennis Idahosa (Edo).

Against the backdrop of rising threats, Abiodun reaffirmed that the Forum’s long-standing demand for state police was non-negotiable.
He argued that decentralised policing was necessary for proactive intelligence gathering, securing border communities, strengthening safe-school systems, and addressing rapidly evolving criminal activities.

“The creation of state police remains essential to achieving true federalism and ensuring effective grassroots security,” he said. “A policing system closer to the people, more responsive to local realities, and equipped to tackle emerging threats is now an urgent national imperative.”

Abiodun added that a unified southern stance on state police would significantly enhance protection of schools, farmlands, critical infrastructure, and border corridors across the region.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as transformative steps toward national development, praising his administration’s “Renewed Hope” reforms and decisive intervention in recent school abductions.

According to him, Tinubu’s choice to personally oversee rescue operations demonstrated a rare commitment to safeguarding citizens. He said the successful rescue efforts reflected a more coordinated and intelligence-driven national security response.

“The President’s swift action reminds us that leadership is measured not only by policy but also by empathy, urgency, and decisive intervention,” Abiodun said.

The Governors’ Forum is expected to meet with the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council immediately after its session. A communiqué outlining resolutions from both meetings will be released thereafter.