From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Senator representing Kwara South Senatorial District, Lola Ashiru, has called on the Federal, state and local governments to tackle insecurity by prioritising economic empowerment and effective management of border communities across the country.
Ashiru, who is also the Deputy Senate Majority Leader and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the call while receiving members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, during a courtesy visit.
According to him, strengthening border security goes beyond deploying security personnel, stressing that shared prosperity among border communities remains a powerful tool in preventing crime and external aggression.
“Our border links with neighbouring communities must be properly managed, and the first and most important step is to spread prosperity across these areas,” Ashiru said.
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He explained that communities with economic stability are less likely to collaborate with criminal elements, noting that border settlements often serve as entry points for insecurity.
“Prosperity has a strong influence on people’s ability to resist aggression, whether verbal or physical. Communities like Eruku and Koro are very similar. Eruku borders Kogi State, while Erile here shares a boundary with Osun State,” he added.
The lawmaker described border and peripheral settlements as the first line of defence against external threats, urging governments to pay special attention to their welfare and development.
“We must give adequate attention to these settlements because before internal aggression can occur, there must be collaboration from within. When people are satisfied with the system, the chances of supporting criminal activities or external aggressors become very low,” he said.
Ashiru also called for collaboration among states sharing boundaries, stressing that a coordinated development strategy would significantly reduce killings and other security challenges.
“Niger State should protect its territory by spreading prosperity, Kwara State should do the same, and Kogi State must ensure development along the Eruku and Koro axis. If this approach is adopted, issues of insecurity will be greatly curtailed,” he stated.
He commended the people of Woro for their resilience and unity in the face of recent attacks, while offering prayers for those who lost their lives in Woro and Kaiama.
“We must not forget that many lives have been lost. I also appreciate the Federal Government for the steps it has taken to safeguard the lives of Nigerians,” Ashiru said.
The senator further urged state governments to adopt a stronger developmental approach as a long-term solution to insecurity, noting that sustainable peace can only be achieved through inclusive growth and improved welfare at the grassroots.
