Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has revealed that security operatives recently foiled an alleged plot to bomb the Ondo State Government House, describing the operation as one of several successes recorded in the state’s efforts to combat insecurity.
Aiyedatiwa made the disclosure during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday while discussing the security situation in the state following the conviction of suspects linked to the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo.
According to the governor, the alleged plot was uncovered about three to four months ago after intelligence reports alerted security agencies to suspicious activities involving a group of youths believed to be planning an attack on the seat of government.
He said the suspects initially lodged in a hotel before relocating to a rented apartment, where security operatives later recovered materials and equipment allegedly linked to the planned operation.
“Following intelligence reports, the police and Amotekun moved in, raided the location, arrested the suspects, and they remain in custody,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The governor noted that investigations were still ongoing to determine the motive behind the alleged plot but said the incident highlighted the importance of proactive intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations.
He added that many successful security interventions often go unnoticed because they prevent attacks before they occur.
“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 said governors in the South-west region were strengthening collaboration to tackle insecurity through intelligence sharing and regional security initiatives, including the Amotekun Corps.
“What I am saying in essence is that we are talking to ourselves; we are working,” he stated, noting that recent engagements among governors focused on improving regional security coordination.
The governor further welcomed the conviction of four persons linked to the June 2022 Owo church massacre, 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 June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo left more than 40 worshippers dead and several others injured after gunmen opened fire during a Sunday service.
Aiyedatiwa said the state government would continue to strengthen its security architecture through improved intelligence gathering, surveillance and collaboration among security agencies, including the police, Amotekun Corps, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local communities.
He assured residents that the government remained committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
Fidelis David in Akure
