Insecurity: States vote N214bn for arms, other

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Thirty-five states voted N214 billion for local security outfits, defence initiatives, and the purchase of arms and equipment in their 2025 budget, The PUNCH reports.

Despite the substantial funding allocated to eliminate insecurity, no fewer than 367 individuals have been killed during Yuletide and Sallah celebrations between 2019 and 2025.

The states’ budgets are contained in Open States, a BudgIT-backed website that serves as a repository of government budget data.

The massive vote, intended to bolster security nationwide, raises critical concerns about the efficacy of these measures, as citizens remain increasingly vulnerable to the tide of violence.

Although the responsibility for ensuring the safety of lives and property lies with the Federal Government, the increasing wave of kidnapping, robbery, and other forms of violence has compelled many state governors to set up their own internal security strategies to combat the menace.

However, these efforts have not yielded the desired results as criminals continue to operate with impunity, terrorising the citizens.

Last month, a total of 30 people were reportedly killed in a wave of attacks across Ondo, Benue, and Nasarawa, with the affected communities calling for urgent government intervention.

Nine surveyors were reportedly kidnapped in Ondo, while two residents were abducted, and four others suffered gun and machete wounds in Edo.

In Ondo, enraged women took to the streets of Akure recently, following the abduction of nine surveyors and the killings of villagers in the Akure North Local Government Area.

Armed assailants reportedly stormed the communities of Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun, leaving a trail of destruction and bloodshed.

Authorities recovered at least 14 bodies, while search efforts continued, with a report that 20 villagers were killed.

In Benue, violent protests erupted in Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West Local Government, after three members of the state’s Civil Protection Guards were ambushed and killed by suspected herders.

In Nasarawa State, a communal clash in the Farin Dutse community escalated into a full-blown crisis, leaving at least seven people dead, including a pregnant woman.

The conflict, which began as a dispute between local farmers and herders, quickly spiralled out of control, with houses, shops, and vehicles set ablaze.

The police have, however, arrested two suspects in connection with the violence, while patrols have been stepped up to contain the violence.

Last week, 16 men believed to be travelling hunters were brutally murdered in Uromi, Edo State.

The incident sparked a national outrage and fears of reprisals.

No fewer than 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings.

Checks revealed that in the first three months of 2025, at least 2,819 incidents of abduction were recorded, with 3,190 fatalities and 1,123 persons injured.

The incidents were recorded in 428 out of 774 local government areas.

A breakdown of the budgets showed that all the states approved the purchase of arms and security equipment.

Abia State allocated N554.58m for the purchase of security equipment and arms, signalling a commitment to enhancing its security apparatus.

Also, Adamawa State earmarked a significantly larger sum of N3.82bn for a similar purpose, marking a considerable allocation in the region.

Akwa-Ibom followed suit, setting aside N10.1bn for arms and ammunition procurement, Edo state allocated N849m while Anambra voted N2.73bn for its security needs.

Other states also made notable provisions for security, including Bauchi with N889.71m, while Bayelsa set aside N10.187bn.

Benue’s security budget stood at N1.46bn, while Ekiti and Cross River allocated N30m and N10m, respectively.

Borno’s budget for security was N1.92bn, and Delta allocated N2.84bn. Enugu saw one of the highest allocations in the Southeast, with N11.41bn dedicated to security.

Further north, Gombe’s security expenditure was pegged at N725.05m, primarily for the purchase of security equipment and funding the operations of its state defence ministry.

Imo, Governor Hope Uzodinma allocated N820.42m for its Homeland Security and Vigilance Ministry.

Jigawa and Kaduna made modest allocations of N40m and N40.74m, respectively.

Kano, Katsina, and Kebbi states also prioritized security, with Kano allocating N1.42bn, Katsina a substantial N5.28bn, and Kebbi the highest allocation among northern states with N21.81bn.

Kogi’s allocation was N11.06bn, while Kwara set aside N37m for its security operations.

In the southwest, Ogun State made a substantial provision of N4.81bn for security.

Amotekun, the regional security outfit, received a significant portion of N1.79bn, with Safe-Corps also getting N459.62m.

On the other hand, Ondo State budgeted N7.07bn, with N7.06bn going to Amotekun’s operations.