Alleged plot to bomb Ondo government house sparks concern

Tension and concern have gripped Ondo State following revelations by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa that security operatives recently foiled an alleged plot to bomb the Ondo State Government House in Akure.

The governor disclosed the development on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, describing the operation as one of several security successes that often go unnoticed because attacks are prevented before they occur.

According to Aiyedatiwa, 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 moving to a rented apartment, where a joint operation by the police and the South-West security outfit, Amotekun, led to the discovery of materials and equipment allegedly linked to the planned bombing.

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

Aiyedatiwa noted that investigators have yet to determine the exact motive behind the alleged plot but stressed that the incident highlights the persistent security threats facing the state and the need for continuous vigilance.

The governor said many of the achievements recorded by security agencies remain largely unknown to the public because successful operations often prevent attacks from taking place.

“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.

He added that governors in the South-West region have continued to strengthen cooperation on security matters, particularly through intelligence sharing and support for regional security initiatives such as Amotekun.

“What I am saying in essence is that we are talking to ourselves; we are working,” the governor said, noting that recent meetings among governors focused on improving regional security coordination.

Aiyedatiwa’s disclosure came as he welcomed the conviction 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 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 Owo church attack, one of the deadliest incidents in the state’s history, claimed more than 40 lives and left many others injured when gunmen opened fire on worshippers during a Sunday service.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, saying Ondo State has continued to strengthen its security architecture through enhanced intelligence gathering, surveillance and collaboration among the police, Amotekun, the Department of State Services and local communities.