Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has disclosed that security agencies thwarted a planned attack on the Ondo Government House by suspected criminals. He described this as one of the quiet successes in the state's fight against insecurity.
Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today after the conviction of suspects linked to the 2022 Owo church attack, Aiyedatiwa said intelligence revealed suspicious activities by a group of youths. The suspects had lodged in a hotel before moving to a rented apartment, where security operatives discovered materials and equipment linked to the alleged plot.
The governor noted that investigators have yet to determine the exact motive. He emphasized that many successful security operations go unnoticed because attacks are prevented before they occur.
DAWN Commission Calls for Regional Action
Dr. Seye Oyeleye, Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, warned that governments and stakeholders in the South-West must act decisively to prevent terrorism from taking root. He cited the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State as a disturbing development.
Speaking during a visit by the NUJ Correspondents' Chapel in Oyo State, Oyeleye stressed the need for stronger collaboration among state governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, communities, and the media. He urged journalists to avoid spreading fake news and misinformation, which could worsen security challenges.
Yinka Adeniran, Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents' Chapel, commended the Commission and called for deeper media collaboration. Segun Balogun, Head of Media at DAWN, expressed readiness to partner with journalists through training and development-focused initiatives.
Yoruba Diaspora Berates Governors
The National Association of Yoruba Descendants in North America (Egbe Omo Yoruba) criticized South-West governors for complacency in addressing insecurity. The group said it is unacceptable that children cannot attend school without fear of kidnapping in a region known for peace and education.
In a communiqué signed by Dr. Ayodeji Famuyide, the association called for a coordinated regional security strategy to tackle kidnapping and banditry. It urged the Oyo State government to mobilize all resources to secure the release of kidnapped pupils and called on traditional rulers to hold officials accountable.
The group argued that the Amotekun Corps lacks necessary equipment and resources, and renewed calls for state police, insisting that a decentralized policing structure is essential to combat insecurity effectively.
