Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has revealed that security agencies recently foiled an alleged plot by five young men to bomb the Ondo State Government House, preventing what could have been a major security disaster in the state.
The governor disclosed this on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he spoke on security efforts in the state and recent developments surrounding terrorism-related cases.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the suspects had assembled bomb-making materials and other equipment in a hotel where they were staying before security operatives received intelligence about their activities.
He explained that personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, acted swiftly on the intelligence report and arrested the suspects before they could carry out the planned attack.
The governor said the operation took place about three or four months ago and described it as one of several successful efforts by security agencies working to keep the state safe.
“We have been doing so much. I will give you an example. I think it’s about three or four months ago, some youth, about five of them, they wanted to bomb the government house,” Aiyedatiwa said.
“They were in their hotel, they didn’t move into a rented apartment, and they have all the equipment, all the gadgets.”
According to him, security agencies received information about the group’s activities and immediately launched an operation.
“We got an intelligence report, and the police and Amotekun moved in, busted them in the house, where they were arrested,” he added.
The governor disclosed that the suspects are still being held by security authorities while investigations continue.
He said preliminary findings suggested that the Government House was the intended target of the planned attack, although the exact motive behind the operation remains unclear.
“Their mission was to bomb the government house. For what reason? Only God knows,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
The revelation has drawn attention because it is the first public disclosure of the alleged plot and highlights the continuing security concerns facing different parts of the country.
Aiyedatiwa’s comments came shortly after a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced four persons to death by hanging over their involvement in the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
The church attack remains one of the deadliest incidents in the state’s history.
Gunmen invaded the church during a Sunday service and opened fire on worshippers, killing more than 40 people and injuring over 100 others.
The attack shocked the nation and attracted widespread condemnation from religious leaders, political figures and international organisations.
Following extensive investigations, security agencies arrested several suspects linked to the incident, leading to prosecutions that eventually resulted in the recent convictions.
The sentencing of the four convicts has revived discussions about security and the need to prevent similar attacks in the future.
During the television interview, Aiyedatiwa said the successful interception of the alleged Government House bombing plot demonstrates that security agencies in Ondo State remain vigilant despite occasional security incidents.
He argued that isolated attacks or criminal activities should not be interpreted as evidence that security agencies are failing in their duties.
According to him, many security threats are often neutralised before they become public knowledge.
“So we are working, like I said, maybe one incident happened and it doesn’t mean that we have not been working,” the governor said.
The Ondo State Government has in recent years invested heavily in security operations through collaboration with federal security agencies and local security networks.
One of the key components of the state’s security strategy has been the strengthening of Amotekun, the regional security outfit established by South-West states to support conventional security agencies.
Amotekun personnel have been involved in intelligence gathering, anti-kidnapping operations, forest patrols and community-based security initiatives across Ondo and other South-West states.
The state has also faced security challenges including kidnapping, armed robbery and attacks on travellers along major highways.
Several communities, particularly those located near forest areas, have reported concerns about the activities of criminal groups operating within and around the region.
Many successful security operations, they note, are made possible by timely information provided by members of the public and intelligence networks.
The alleged foiled bombing plot in Ondo appears to underline the importance of such intelligence-driven operations.
Preventing such attacks before they occur is therefore considered a major achievement for security agencies.
Although details about the suspects, their identities and possible affiliations have not been made public, authorities are expected to continue investigations to determine whether they were acting alone or as part of a larger network.
Security agencies may also seek to establish how the suspects obtained the materials allegedly intended for the attack.
The governor did not indicate whether charges had been filed against the suspects or when legal proceedings might begin.
However, his disclosure is likely to increase public interest in the case and raise questions about the nature of the threat that was allegedly prevented.
For many residents of Ondo State, the revelation serves as a reminder that security challenges remain a serious concern despite ongoing efforts by government and law enforcement agencies.
At the same time, the successful operation against the suspects may provide some reassurance that security agencies are actively monitoring potential threats and responding when intelligence is received.
As investigations continue, attention will remain focused on the detained suspects and the outcome of efforts to uncover the full details behind the alleged plan to attack the Ondo State Government House.