Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has revealed that security operatives thwarted a planned bomb attack on the Ondo State Government House several months ago following intelligence reports.
Speaking on a Channels TV programme on Wednesday, the Ondo governor said a joint operation involving the police and the South-West security outfit, Amotekun, uncovered the alleged plot before it could be carried out.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the suspects initially stayed in a hotel before relocating to a rented apartment, where security operatives later discovered materials believed to be connected 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.
The governor disclosed that the incident occurred about three to four months ago, noting that investigations are still ongoing to determine the motive behind the alleged plot.
He said the operation underscores the often unseen work carried out by security agencies to prevent attacks before they occur.
“Security is one responsibility that leaders carry that is not so visible to everybody,” Aiyedatiwa 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.”
The governor added that South-West governors have continued to strengthen cooperation on intelligence gathering and security coordination through platforms such as Amotekun.
“What I am saying in essence is that we are talking to ourselves; we are working,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa also welcomed the conviction of four suspects linked to the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, describing the verdict as a victory for justice and 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 church attack 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 local communities.
