Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo, says security operatives foiled a plot to bomb the Ondo state government house a few months ago.
Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on Wednesday, Aiyedatiwa said the planned attack was uncovered through intelligence reports and thwarted by a joint operation involving the police and Amotekun personnel.
The governor said the suspects had initially lodged in a hotel before moving to a rented apartment, where security operatives would uncover 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,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa said the incident occurred about three to four months ago, adding that investigators are still trying to determine the motive behind the plot.
He said the operation highlights the often unseen efforts of security agencies in preventing attacks before they happen.
“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.”
Aiyedatiwa added that governors in the south-west region have continued to strengthen collaboration on intelligence gathering and security through platforms such as Amotekun.
“What I am saying in essence is that we are talking to ourselves; we are working,” he said.
The governor also welcomed the conviction of four suspects linked to the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 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,” he said.
The attack on the church in Owo claimed more than 40 lives and left several worshippers injured.
Aiyedatiwa said the state government would continue to strengthen security through intelligence gathering, surveillance and collaboration among the police, Amotekun, the Department of State Services (DSS) and communities.
