Committee Seeks Direct Allocation of Security Votes To LGAS

The Offa Security Committee in Kwara State has called for the direct allocation of security votes to local governments. It said the current structure had left grassroots communities overstretched amid rising security threats.

A member of the committee, Air Vice Marshal Abdul-Ganiyu Olabisi, made the call over the weekend, against the backdrop of renewed attacks in parts of Kwara State.

He said several communities had come under severe attacks in recent times, resulting in loss of lives and displacement of residents, thereby increasing pressure on locals to organise self-defence.

Olabisi noted that while communities had stepped up efforts to support security agencies, the lack of government funding remained a major constraint.

“As first responders to any breach of security, communities have a critical role to play, but this responsibility cannot be sustained without government support,” he said.

He disclosed that Offa community had established a vigilante structure to complement security agencies through intelligence gathering and patrol operations, using limited arms permitted by law.

According to him, the initiative is funded entirely by contributions from well-meaning individuals, covering salaries, vehicles, motorcycles, fuelling and other logistics.

“Monthly, the community spends over N10 million on security operations without any form of government support. This is not sustainable,” he said.

Olabisi stressed that the primary responsibility of government remained the protection of life and property, urging the authorities to match calls for community participation with concrete financial backing.

“There is an urgent need for government to allocate security votes directly to local governments to support community-based security initiatives,” he said.

He explained that such a framework would enhance transparency and accountability in the use of security funds, while also improving the capacity of local communities to respond to threats.

“If security votes are channelled directly to local governments, it will strengthen grassroots security and ensure timely response to incidents within communities,” he added.

Olabisi also expressed concern over the slow pace of efforts to establish state police, noting that while the initiative was commendable, it could take years to fully implement.

“We cannot wait for years while communities are under attack. Immediate intervention through direct funding is necessary,” he said.