The Convener of the Omoluabi Parapo Conservative Group, Aderonke Okeleye, has praised President Bola Tinubu for declaring a nationwide state of emergency on insecurity, describing the move as timely and necessary to address the surge in abductions and violent crimes across the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abeokuta, Okeleye said Tinubu’s swift directive demonstrated strong political will to protect citizens and prevent criminal activities from undermining national stability and development.
She stated that the emergency declaration would enable security agencies to deepen collaboration, enhance operational strategies and prioritise intelligence-led approaches to safeguard vulnerable communities.
While commending the President, Okeleye urged South-West governors to complement the federal initiative by strengthening local security architecture, particularly the Amotekun Corps. She called for increased investment in community-based surveillance, early warning systems and modern security infrastructure.
“Insecurity in the South-West has taken new dimensions in recent years. Although we recognise the ongoing efforts of our governors, this is the moment to deepen coordination, modernise security infrastructure and ensure no community is left exposed,” she said.
Okeleye emphasised the importance of regional cooperation, improved funding for security formations and the adoption of technology-driven solutions such as drone monitoring and rapid response mechanisms. She also encouraged traditional rulers, community leaders and civil society organisations to work closely with government to secure communities at the grassroots.
“The safety of our people is not negotiable. We cannot build economic prosperity, cultural preservation or political stability in an atmosphere of fear,” she noted.
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Okeleye commended South-West governors for the successful conclusion of their recent strategic meeting in Ibadan, describing it as a unified intervention essential to boosting the region’s economic prosperity.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote stability and socio-economic development across the South-West and Nigeria.
Tinubu recently ordered security agencies—including the Army, Police and intelligence services—to expand recruitment and deploy thousands of additional personnel nationwide. He also encouraged the National Assembly to expedite legislation to establish state police in response to escalating kidnappings and terrorist attacks.
The emergency declaration followed high-profile abductions, including 38 worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, and 24 students from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State. Both groups of victims have since regained their freedom.