…Says South-West governors strengthening security collaboration

By Dayo Johnson

AKURE — Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has revealed how security operatives recently foiled a plot to bomb the Government House in Akure, describing the operation as one of several “silent victories” recorded in the state’s fight against insecurity.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Aiyedatiwa said the planned attack was uncovered about three to four months ago following intelligence reports on suspicious activities of a group of youths allegedly targeting the seat of government.

According to the governor, the suspects initially lodged in a hotel before relocating to a rented apartment, where security operatives later discovered materials and equipment allegedly linked to the planned attack.

“Following intelligence reports, the police and Amotekun moved in, raided the location, arrested the suspects, and they remain in custody,” Aiyedatiwa said.

He noted that investigators were yet to establish the exact motive behind the plot but stressed that the incident underscored the security challenges confronting the state and the need for sustained vigilance.

The governor explained that many successful security operations often go unnoticed because attacks are prevented before they occur.

“So much work is being done. Security is one responsibility that leaders carry that is not so visible to everybody. It is only when there is a lapse that it will look as if the government has not been doing enough. We have been doing so much,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa also disclosed that governors in the South-West region were working closely to strengthen security and intelligence-sharing mechanisms.

“What I am saying in essence is that we are talking to ourselves; we are working,” he said, adding that recent meetings among the governors focused on enhancing collaboration through regional security outfits such as Amotekun.

The governor further welcomed the conviction of four persons linked to the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, describing the judgment as a victory for justice and the rule of law.

“For us in Ondo State, we are happy that this judgment is a victory for the rule of law and for all the victims attacked, not just in Owo, Ondo State, but all who have been attacked at one time or the other by these terrorists,” he said.

The attack on the church claimed more than 40 lives and left about 100 others injured after suspected terrorists opened fire on worshippers during a Sunday service.

Aiyedatiwa said the state government had continued to strengthen its security architecture through improved intelligence gathering, surveillance and collaboration among the police, Amotekun Corps, the Department of State Services, DSS, and local communities.

He assured residents that his administration remained committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.