Six state governors from Nigeria's Southwest region have gathered in Ibadan for an urgent closed-door meeting following recent security challenges across the country, particularly the attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.
Emergency Meeting Amid Security Concerns
The South-West Governors Forum convened at the Governor's Office in Agodi, Ibadan on Monday, November 24, 2025. The meeting comes as a direct response to growing security threats in the region, including the recent kidnapping of worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti local government area of Kwara state.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who serves as Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, arrived for the meeting at 12:50pm. His Media Adviser, Gboyega Akosile, confirmed that the gathering would address critical regional issues including security, economic development, and inter-state cooperation.
Regional Leaders in Attendance
All six Southwest states were represented at the high-level security meeting. Governors in attendance included Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and the Deputy Governor of Osun State. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde hosted the meeting in his state capital.
According to Akosile, the meeting represents a follow-up to a previous gathering held in Lagos on Thursday, February 13, 2025. The ongoing dialogue between Southwest governors demonstrates their commitment to addressing regional challenges through coordinated action.
Broader Security Context
The emergency meeting occurs against the backdrop of multiple security incidents across Nigeria. Beyond the Kwara church attack, armed bandits recently stormed a Catholic school in Niger State, abducting numerous students.
President Bola Tinubu has praised security forces for rescuing 38 abducted worshippers from the Eruku incident. The President also acknowledged the successful escape of 51 pupils from Niger State, pledging continued vigilance amid calls for national peace.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed the release of all individuals kidnapped during the Christ Apostolic Church attack. The victims were received at the Kwara Government House, where some shared their traumatic experiences with the press.
The Southwest governors' meeting underscores the growing concern among regional leaders about the security situation and their determination to implement collaborative solutions that protect citizens and promote economic stability across the geopolitical zone.
