Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has disclosed that security operatives foiled a plot to bomb the Ondo State Government House a few months ago, following intelligence-led operations by security agencies.
The governor made the revelation on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he highlighted ongoing efforts by security agencies to prevent attacks across the state.
According to Aiyedatiwa, intelligence reports alerted authorities to suspicious activities involving some individuals who had initially lodged in a hotel before relocating to a rented apartment.
He said a joint operation involving the police and the South-West security network, Amotekun, led to the discovery of materials believed to be 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,” the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa explained that the incident occurred approximately three to four months ago and that investigations were still ongoing to establish the motive behind the alleged plot.
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The governor noted that the successful operation underscored the often-unseen efforts of security agencies in preventing attacks before they occur.
“Security is one responsibility that leaders carry that is not so visible to everybody,” he said.
“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 added that governors in the South-West region had continued to strengthen collaboration on intelligence gathering and security operations through regional platforms such as Amotekun.
“What I am saying in essence is that we are talking to ourselves; we are working,” he said.
Owo Church attack conviction
The governor also welcomed the conviction and sentencing of four suspects linked to the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, describing the judgment as a victory for justice and the victims of terrorism.
“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,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The attack on the church claimed more than 40 lives and left several worshippers injured, sparking national outrage and renewed concerns about insecurity in the country.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across the state through intelligence gathering, surveillance and enhanced collaboration among the police, Amotekun, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local communities.
He stressed that continued cooperation among security agencies and community stakeholders remained critical to preventing future attacks and safeguarding lives and property in Ondo State.
