The Ondo State government has called for calm among residents of the state over the leaked security alert issued by the Department of State Services (DSS) on planned coordinated attacks on some communities in the state by a terrorist group, the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).
While describing the leaked memo as routine intelligence regularly shared among security agencies and government in the state, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, disclosed that it is used to assess security threats and take proactive measures.
The DSS, in a leaked confidential memo addressed to the Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, Akure, the state capital, identified the target locations, including Oyin-Akoko and Eriti-Akoko, both in Akoko North-West Local Council, and Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Council Area of the state.
With the letter signed by one H.I Kana, the DSS revealed that the groups have commenced surveillance on potential soft targets in the identified communities, stressing the urgency to implement heightened security measures in the state in order to prevent such attacks from happening.
With the development raising tension in the state, particularly in the identified locations, Ajanaku assured that the intelligence is already being acted upon by the government and relevant security agencies, with necessary precautions being taken to ensure the safety and security of the people.
He said: “The Government of Ondo State is aware of the recent security alert memo of the State Security Services addressed to the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Akure regarding a possible terrorist attack in some parts of the state, which got leaked to the media.
“Such reports are a normal part of security operations, aimed at identifying and preventing potential threats. These intelligence reports often contain varying levels of threat assessment and are used in joint operations by security agencies to enhance vigilance and take proactive measures.
“The emphasis remains on maintaining vigilance and cooperation between security agencies and the government to prevent and respond to any potential threats. We urge all residents to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest security agency. We want to reassure you that every measure is being taken to prevent any attack in Ondo State.
“The Ondo State government, led by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is in constant contact with security agencies and is taking several steps to protect residents, especially those in border communities, so that Ondo State can remain as one of the safest States in the country.
“Once again, we appeal to residents to remain calm, go about their normal daily activities, refrain from taking law into their hands, cooperate with security agencies and provide any information that may help prevent any threat in any part of the State.”
Meanwhile, the police spokesperson in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, who confirmed the development, stated that the command had deployed necessary operational and intelligence assets to swiftly address the situation.
Ayanlade also stated that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, has held security meetings with stakeholders from the two Police Area Commands in the Akoko axis.
“In a renewed effort to prevent the breakdown of law and order, and in line with the proactive policing strategies of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
“The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, on Tuesday, convened a high-powered security meeting and community engagement session with stakeholders from the two Police Area Commands in the Akoko region, Ikare and Iwaro-Oka,” Ayanlade stated.
The security alert is coming three years after terrorists suspected to be ISWAP members launched a deadly attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, on June 5, 2022, killing 41 worshippers and injuring dozens.
The suspects were later arrested by the DSS and are currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
