Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has disclosed that security operatives recently uncovered and stopped a plan to bomb the state government house, calling it one of several quiet victories in the state's ongoing battle against insecurity.
Aiyedatiwa made the revelation on Wednesday night during an appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today programme. He was speaking about security achievements in Ondo State following the recent conviction of four suspects linked to the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, which killed more than 40 people.
The governor said intelligence reports had flagged suspicious activities by a group of youths about three to four months before the foiled plot. Security agencies tracked the suspects as they first stayed in a hotel, then moved to a rented apartment. Police and Amotekun operatives raided the location and arrested those involved. "Following intelligence reports, the police and Amotekun moved in, raided the location, arrested the suspects, and they remain in custody," Aiyedatiwa said.
When the apartment was searched, security forces discovered materials and equipment believed connected to the planned bombing. Investigators are still working to determine the exact motive behind the alleged plot, but Aiyedatiwa said the incident shows the security threats facing the state and why constant vigilance is needed.
The governor used the disclosure to explain why many successful security operations go unnoticed by the public. "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 spoke about collaboration among South-West governors on security matters. He said the regional leaders meet regularly and work together to strengthen safety and intelligence gathering. Recent meetings among the governors have focused on strengthening regional security outfits like Amotekun. "What I am saying in essence is that we are talking to ourselves; we are working," the governor said.
On the Owo church conviction, Aiyedatiwa welcomed the judgment as a major victory for justice and the rule of law. The four suspects were convicted for their roles in the June 5, 2022 attack, which left dozens dead and many others injured after gunmen opened fire during a Sunday service. "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.
Aiyedatiwa assured residents that Ondo State continues to strengthen its security setup through better intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordination among the police, Amotekun, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local communities. He pledged that the government remains committed to protecting lives and property.
