Governor Fortunate Aiyedatiwa has revealed that security operatives thwarted a deliberate bomb assault on the Ondo State Authorities House a number of months in the past following intelligence reviews.
Talking on a Channels TV programme on Wednesday, the Ondo governor stated a joint operation involving the police and the South-West security outfit, Amotekun, uncovered the alleged plot earlier than it might be carried out.
In accordance to Aiyedatiwa, the suspects initially stayed in a lodge earlier than relocating to a rented residence, the place security operatives later found supplies believed to be related to the deliberate assault.
“Following intelligence reviews, the police and Amotekun moved in, raided the placement, arrested the suspects, they usually stay in custody,” he stated.
The governor disclosed that the incident occurred about three to 4 months in the past, noting that investigations are nonetheless ongoing to decide the motive behind the alleged plot.
He stated the operation underscores the customarily unseen work carried out by security companies to stop assaults earlier than they happen.
“Security is one accountability that leaders carry that’s not so seen to everyone,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
“It’s only when there’s a lapse that it’ll look as if the federal government has not been doing sufficient. We have now been doing a lot.”
The governor added that South-West governors have continued to strengthen cooperation on intelligence gathering and security coordination by way of platforms comparable to Amotekun.
“What I’m saying in essence is that we’re speaking to ourselves; we’re working,” he stated.
Aiyedatiwa additionally welcomed the conviction of 4 suspects linked to the June 5, 2022 assault on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, describing the decision as a victory for justice and victims of terrorism.
“For us in Ondo state, we’re pleased that this judgment is a victory for the rule of regulation and for all of the victims attacked, not simply in Owo, Ondo state, however all who’ve been attacked at one time or the opposite by these terrorists,” he stated.
The church assault in Owo claimed greater than 40 lives and left a number of worshippers injured.
Aiyedatiwa stated the state authorities would proceed to strengthen security by way of intelligence gathering, surveillance and collaboration among the many police, Amotekun, the Division of State Providers (DSS) and native communities.
