By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Senate Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru, has urged governments at all levels to strengthen border security by investing in the development and prosperity of border communities to curb rising insecurity in Nigeria.
Ashiru made the call during a courtesy visit by members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council.
He said proper management of border areas would reduce criminal activities and external threats.
According to him, economically empowered and well-secured border communities serve as a deterrent to crime, describing them as the first line of defence against insecurity.
“I feel our border links with neighbouring communities must be well managed. The first and most important step is to spread prosperity across these areas,” Ashiru said.
He cited communities such as Eruku and Koro, which border Kogi State, and Erinle, which borders Osun State, noting that states sharing boundaries must adopt coordinated security and development strategies.
Ashiru warned that insecurity often thrives through internal collaboration, adding that dissatisfaction among border residents could make them vulnerable to criminal influence.
He commended the people of Woro for their resilience and offered prayers for victims of recent attacks in Woro and Kaiama, while calling for a stronger development-driven approach to security, especially at the state level.
