Apparently disturbed by the ravaging attacks of bandits in some parts of the country, Progressive Governors’ Forum have resolved to strengthen local security towards preventing possible attacks that could truncate the development in their states.

The governors stated that strengthening community-based security initiatives and better intelligence gathering from the grassroots were identified as major antidote to gunmen attacks across the country.

The communique issued by the governors on Saturday after a two-day meeting in Lagos where security, economy, and social welfare issues were reviewed with the aim to address hurdles that may affect growth and development in the country.

The communique was read by the chairman of the Forum, Governor Hope Nzodimma of Imo State.

Governors in attendance attendance included: Kebbi, Dr. Nasir Idris, Edo, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Ogun, Dapo Abiodun, Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji, Ondo, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Sokoto, Ahmad Aliyu, Akwa-Ibom, Pastor Umo Eno, Delta, Sheriff Oborevwori, Enugu, Peter Mbah, Kaduna, Uba Sani and Katsina, Dikko Umar.

The host Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu said, “The engagement provided an opportunity to review the nation’s current trajectory, deepen coordination among progressive governors, and reaffirm the Forum’s unwavering support for the Renewed Hope agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

According to the governors on platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the decision to embark on strengthening local security architecture was taking after a review of the security situation across the country particularly as it affects each states.

The Forum reviewed the security situation across the country and expressed appreciation for the improved coordination between federal, state and local security structures, as well as the courage and sacrifices of security agencies and community volunteers.

The Forum commended the President for the ongoing re-engineering in the security architecture of the country.

Governors reiterated that safety of lives and property remains a non-negotiable obligation of government.

The PGF resolved to continue strengthening community-based security initiatives, intelligence gathering, conflict-prevention mechanisms and support for victims of violence and disaster.

The Forum underscored the importance of social cohesion, inter-faith harmony and inter-ethnic understanding, and urged all leaders to use their voices and platforms to promote unity, moderation and respect, while isolating criminality and hate speech in all its forms.

“The meeting served as an important platform for aligning state-level priorities with national reforms, reinforcing the centrality of citizens, citizens’ welfare in governance, and consolidating the Forum’s shared vision of people focused and development-driven leadership at all levels of government.

“The Forum undertook a broad review of the political, economic, and social environment in the country.

“Governors reaffirmed that the ultimate purpose of every reform must be to improve the lives of Nigerians, protect their dignity, and expand opportunities for all, rural and urban, youth and elderly, women and men, workers, entrepreneurs, and vulnerable groups alike.

“The Forum noted ongoing efforts at food security, power sector improvement, transport and infrastructure upgrades, social investment, and support for productive enterprises, and pledged to align state policies to maximise the benefits of these reforms for citizens in every ward and in our communities.

The Progressive Governors Forum resolved to intensify state-level interventions in areas such as food production and distribution, support to small and medium-scale enterprises, youth employment, social protection for the poorest and most vulnerable, and targeted relief for workers and low-income households.

“We, the Progressive Governors, are committed to working closely with federal institutions, the National Economic Council and local governments to ensure that things keep improving, that no group is left behind, and that the gains of reforms continue to translate into visible improvement in the quality of life of the people.”