The governor made the disclosure on Channels TV while reflecting on the security situation in the state following the conviction and sentencing of suspects linked to the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, where scores of worshippers were killed.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the foiled bombing attempt underscores the constant security threats confronting the state and the need for continued vigilance despite the absence of another large-scale terror attack since the Owo massacre.
“I will give you an example. I think it is about three or four months ago, some youths, about five of them, wanted to bomb the Government House,” the governor said.
“They were in a hotel and then moved into a rented apartment and they had all the equipment, all the gadgets. We got an intelligence report and the police and Amotekun moved in, busted the house where they were, arrested them and they are still in detention right now.”
He added that the motive behind the alleged plot remains unclear.
“Their mission was to bomb the Government House. For what reason? Only God knows,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa said the successful operation demonstrated that security agencies were actively working behind the scenes to prevent attacks, even when such efforts did not receive public attention.
“Security is one responsibility that leaders carry that is not so visible to everybody. It is only when there is a lapse or an incident that happens that it will look as if the government has not been doing enough,” he said.
“We have been doing so much, so much.”
The governor’s remarks came as he welcomed the court’s verdict against those convicted for the Owo church attack, describing the judgment as a victory for justice, the rule of law and the families of the victims.
“It is a victory for us and we want to use the opportunity to appreciate all the people that were involved — the security agencies, the judiciary for their courage in prosecution, the media and, of course, the people of Ondo State for their resilience,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa recalled the shock that greeted the attack on St. Francis Catholic Church on June 5, 2022, when gunmen and bombers stormed the church during a Sunday service, killing dozens of worshippers and injuring many others.
“It was really a sad day, a dark Sunday,” he said. “They came in to kill and to destroy. They did not take any money. They did not steal anything.”
The governor noted that although no immediate arrests were made after the attack, intelligence gathered by security agencies eventually led to the arrest of suspects by Amotekun, the police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
He said the state had since strengthened its security architecture, improved collaboration among security agencies and increased surveillance across communities and border entry points.
“We have been more vigilant as a people. We have been very resilient as a people. Ondo State can never be taken for granted anymore,” he said.
“We have instances where some people will be loaded in trucks, up to 100 or 120. They will be stopped and profiled. Some have been sent back when they do not have any forwarding address or anyone they are coming to visit.”
The governor disclosed that security agencies regularly receive intelligence reports about potential attacks and remain on high alert.
“We get reports several times that terrorists are coming to attack. Every day we prepare. Every 24/7 we are on alert,” he said.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for providing what he described as the political will and support required for security agencies to confront terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
“We must give credit to Mr President for the political will, the bold steps and courage, and the backing given to the security agencies to engage the criminals wherever they are found,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The governor further reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, arguing that local security outfits such as Amotekun would be more effective if empowered by law to bear sophisticated weapons and complement existing security agencies.
He explained that governors across the South-West had continued to work together through regional security collaborations aimed at safeguarding the zone against criminal activities.
Aiyedatiwa also warned against the spread of fake security alerts and misinformation, saying false reports of imminent attacks often create unnecessary panic among residents.
“There was a rumour that terrorists were coming to Akure to attack schools. It was completely false,” he said.
“Some people should put politics aside. Why should we circulate fake news to create panic in the system? It is not right.”
The governor maintained that while security threats remain real, Ondo State has significantly improved its preparedness since the Owo church attack and remains committed to protecting lives and property through intelligence-led operations and community participation.
“We are not talking to ourselves; we are working,” he said. “If everybody works together – the security agencies, communities, traditional rulers, government and citizens – we can defeat this menace,” he added.
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