The Southwest Governors have resolved to declare a 3-day mourning in memory of the victims of the 5th June, 2022 terror attack on St Francis Catholic, Owaluwa Street, Owo, Ondo State, starting from Monday, 13th June, to Wednesday, 15th, June, 2022 to symbolise their collective loss across all South Western States in Nigeria.
This was disclosed in the communique issued by the South West Governors’ forum after their virtual meeting held on the 10th June, 2022 to review the state of security in the south west.
The governors also condemned, in very strong terms, the horrendous crime perpetrated by terrorists against the people and residents of Owo, Ondo State, and, by extension, the peace-loving people of the South West.
The governors sympathised with the victims of the mindless attack in Owo.
The meeting agreed that all the governors should direct the flying of Flags at Half Mast in all public buildings, facilities and official residences across all the States in the South West in honour of the victims of the Owo terror attack.
The governors noted, with great discomfiture, the increasing agitations about spaces taken over by unidentified and unknown migrants in all South West States.
The meeting, therefore, recommended an increase in the scope of surveillance of the activities of these undocumented settlers by relevant security agencies in all the States.
The governors, as Chief Security Officers, resolved to continue to assist the security agencies in the areas of crisis management and intelligence gathering at all times.
The governors reviewed reports from various States on the factors militating against peace and security in the region.
They expressed grave concerns on the influx of Okada riders into all parts of the South West, especially the State capitals.
The meeting further resolved that efforts be geared toward identity management of Okada riders and stringent regulation put in place for their operations.
The Forum decided it was time to reconvene the South West Security Committee to look critically into this creeping menace before it blossomed into another intractable social problem.
The Committee would be expected to submit its findings on the desirability of Okada operations in the region.
It is also expected to submit a multi-level template to combat the threat of insurgency and terrorism in the region.
The Forum agreed to convene forthwith a physical meeting of the South West Governors to deliberate on the security challenges confronting the region.
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