South-West groups hail lawmakers on state police bill

The Southwest Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG) and the Oodua Unity Group (OUG) have hailed the National Assembly’s recent approval of the State Police Bill.

They described it as a significant legislative milestone that could enhance security management across the federation.

Rising from a joint meeting held at the palace of Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams to address growing concerns about the security situation in the Southwest region, they hailed the decision as a positive step towards empowering states to take more direct control of their security challenges, thereby fostering more localised and effective responses.

In a statement jointly signed by the SSSG Publicity Secretary, Ireti Adewole and OUG Secretary, Kola Aare, the groups noted that while citizens await the state police to come into full operation across the country, it was also important for state security apparatus to cooperate with private security-relevant groups to totally overcome the security challenges.

The groups therefore called on the Federal Government and the governors of the Southwest states to engage in meaningful collaboration with both the SSSG and OUG. They stressed that such partnerships were essential to decisively curb insecurity in the region. 

The SSSG, led by the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, comprises the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Agbekoya Society, Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Professional Hunters Association, Odua Warriors, Vigilante Jahun, Agbekoya Peace Movement, Agbekoya Solidarity Movement, COMSAIC, Isokan Ile Oodua, Egbe Obinrin Oodua Agbaye, and Omo Oduduwa United, among others, which all have structures at the grassroot in all local governments areas across the region.

According to the statement, the combined efforts of government authorities and community-based security stakeholders will be crucial in developing sustainable strategies to tackle the root causes of violence and criminality.

The SSSG and OUG also clarified the role of the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Adams, in the ongoing security discourse. 

They reminded Nigerians, particularly the Yoruba people, that the Aare Ona Kakanfo’s intervention in security matters must be formally invited by the Southwest governors, who are the chief security officers of their respective states.

The groups noted that any unauthorised involvement by the Aare Ona Kakanfo could contravene Nigerian laws and state security architecture, potentially complicating efforts to restore order and peace in the region.

The statement also urged media and social commentators and the general public to exercise caution in reporting security incidents. 

The groups emphasised the critical need to avoid exaggeration and misinformation regarding incidents of insecurity, underscoring that such distortions undermine efforts to restore peace and stability.

It noted that misinformation and sensationalism not only distort public perception but also hinder effective security operations by creating unnecessary panic and confusion. 

The groups appealed for responsible journalism and accurate dissemination of information to support the collective fight against insecurity.

The SSSG and OUG reiterated their commitment to working alongside government agencies and community leaders to promote peace and security in the Southwest. 

They called on all stakeholders to prioritise collaboration, transparency, and lawful conduct as the region navigates its security challenges.

“This meeting, which has in attendance security stakeholders in the Southwest, recognises that sustainable peace requires coordinated efforts, respect for legal frameworks, and truthful communication. 

“Our call for partnership with government authorities and the caution against misinformation serve as a timely reminder of the complexities involved in addressing insecurity in Nigeria’s diverse and dynamic regions,” the statement added.