S’west Governors working together to combat kidnapping, insecurity — Aiyedatiwa

By Imisioluwa Afunmiso

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has assured residents of the South-West that governors in the region are working together to combat the growing threat of kidnapping and other security challenges.

Speaking during an interview amid concerns over rising abductions in parts of the country, Aiyedatiwa said the South-West Governors Forum had intensified efforts to secure the region through intelligence sharing and joint security operations noting that criminal elements often move across state boundaries and forests, making regional cooperation necessary to effectively combat insecurity.

According to him, governors in the zone are working closely with security agencies and local security outfits to prevent criminals from establishing bases within the region. He stressed that no state could successfully confront the security challenge in isolation.

He further said security operations in Ondo State have led to the arrest of several suspected kidnappers, adding that authorities are sustaining pressure on criminal networks operating within forests and border communities.

The governor also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, through improved welfare packages, including pension and insurance schemes, as well as the recruitment of additional personnel to enhance surveillance and rapid response capabilities.

This comes amid heightened concerns over insecurity in parts of the South-West, particularly following recent kidnapping incidents in neighbouring states and renewed calls for stronger regional security coordination.