Prince Mike Adewoye, the Proprietor of Racy & Sturdy Group of Schools, Idimu, Lagos, has issued a strong appeal to the governors of the Southwest states, urging them to take decisive steps to address the rising incidents of insecurity and instability across the region, particularly the growing cases of kidnapping.
In his public appeal, the proprietor noted that emerging developments across several towns and cities have raised serious concerns about the gradual spread of insecurity—similar to the pattern that has already destabilised other parts of Nigeria.
He expressed deep concern over the increasing threats to the safety of residents and called for urgent, coordinated, and proactive measures by the Southwest governors to restore peace, strengthen security architecture, and safeguard lives and property across the region.
Below are the details of his open letter to the Governors of Southwest Nigeria, copied Christian Benefits magazine
OPEN LETTER TO THE GOVERNORS OF SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA: A Personal Appeal to Protect the Security and Stability of Our Region.
To:Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Governor Seyi Makinde
Governor Dapo Abiodun
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa
Governor Ademola Adeleke
Governor Biodun Oyebanji
Your Excellencies,This letter is written as a heartfelt appeal from concerned citizens who value the peace, economic strength, and cultural stability of the South-West region of Nigeria.For many years, our region has stood out as a place where commerce thrives, education flourishes, and communities coexist peacefully. However, emerging developments across several towns and cities now raise serious concerns about the gradual spread of insecurity that has already destabilised other parts of Nigeria.
The purpose of this letter is not to promote division but to urge urgent preventive action before the challenges confronting other regions become deeply entrenched within ours.Growing Kidnapping and Terror-Related Activities:Across Nigeria today, kidnapping has grown into one of the most dangerous criminal enterprises, affecting highways, rural communities, and even urban centres.Recent national reports indicate that hundreds of killings and kidnappings occur within short periods, reflecting the scale of the national security crisis.Even within and around the South-West, citizens increasingly report:- Kidnapping along highways- Abductions in rural communities- Armed attacks on travellers- Fear among farmers and commuters.
These patterns show that criminal networks are expanding geographically, and proactive intervention is urgently required.Organised Theft and Vandalism of Property:Many communities across South-West cities have also begun experiencing rising incidents of organised theft, including:- Stealing household aluminium materials and building components, including roof materials- Removal of burglary irons and metal structures- Theft of generators and household equipment- Vandalism of electrical cables and public installations.
Beyond the financial losses, such acts create insecurity and degrade community infrastructure.Concerns About Unregulated Scrap-Metal Trading:The activities of some scrap-metal and condemned-iron buyers have also raised public concerns. In several communities, residents suspect that stolen metals and dismantled infrastructure may be finding their way into the scrap market. Without proper licensing and monitoring, this trade may unintentionally encourage the theft of valuable materials and public assets.Increasing Disorder in Commercial Motorcycle Operations:
Another growing concern is the proliferation of unregulated commercial motorcycles.Citizens frequently complain about:- Reckless riding and disregard for traffic regulations- Lack of proper identification or traceable addresses for operators- Use of motorcycles for rapid escape after crimesIn many areas, residents are also asking important questions about the sudden availability of large numbers of motorcycles whose ownership structures remain unclear.Because motorcycles can easily move through narrow streets and escape quickly, they are often used in criminal activities.Lack of Identification and Traceable Residence:Security agencies face enormous difficulty when individuals involved in mobile trades or informal occupations cannot be linked to verifiable identities or residential addresses.
Without proper registration systems, law enforcement struggles to track suspects or prevent crime effectively.The Responsibility of Preventive Leadership:Your Excellencies, history shows that major security crises rarely emerge overnight. They begin with warning signs—small incidents that gradually escalate when early intervention is delayed.Many regions currently battling banditry and terrorism once ignored similar early warnings.
The South-West must act differently.Our Respectful Requests:We respectfully appeal to the governments of the South-West states to work together to:- Introduce mandatory registration and biometric identification for all commercial motorcycle operators.- Establish strict licensing and monitoring of scrap-metal dealers.- Strengthen community policing and intelligence gathering.- Require verifiable identification and residential documentation for mobile traders and informal operators.- Intensify security patrols along highways and vulnerable communities.- Strengthen regional security collaboration among South-West states.
A Final Appeal:Your Excellencies, leadership is most effective when it anticipates danger rather than reacting after tragedy occurs.If preventive steps are taken today, the South-West will remain a region known for peace, enterprise, and stability.But if the early warning signs are ignored, future generations may ask why those entrusted with leadership did not act when the opportunity still existed to protect the people.The time for decisive and coordinated action is now.Prince Mike Adewoye