Following the reported possible attacks by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist group on some identified target locations in Akoko communities in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has assured that relevant security agencies and the government are strengthening the security measures.
In a release signed by Idowu Ajanaku, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, the government allayed people’s fears that it had taken necessary precautions to ensure safety and security.
It promised that it was acting on the leaked security report, which alerted of possible attacks in Eriti, Igashi, Oyin Akoko communities in Akoko Northwest Local Government Area (LGA), and Owo town.
The government called on the citizens of the affected areas to maintain vigilance and cooperate with security agencies to prevent and respond to any potential threats.
“We urge all residents to remain calm and vigilant, and 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.
It appealed to residents to remain calm, go about their normal daily activities, refrain from taking the law into their hands, cooperate with security agencies, and provide any information that may help prevent any threat in any part of the state.
The media earlier reported a leaked memo of the Department of State Services (DSS), signed by one Hi Kana for the State Director of Security, Ondo State, that intelligence had confirmed plans by members of the ISWAP terrorist group to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states anytime soon.
According to the report, the groups had commenced surveillance on potential soft targets in the locations identified and mentioned.
TheDigger investigations, however, reveal a dark spot at Ugbo Ojo, where displaced people from Benue State have been settling for two years.
The source named one Sunday as the person who single-handedly leased the place to the displaced people. “And whenever Sunday is warned about the activities of these strangers, he claims that the place is his father’s land and he can accommodate whoever he likes on the land.
This place, according to a source who craved anonymity, is a hot spot for various kinds of activities as it harbours brothels and drinking joints. In fact, the source revealed that people often drive to the place at night to enjoy themselves, as it remains lit up.
The source alleged that criminal activities may be taking place, as it is far from the town and is located right in the bush where indigenes of Ojoke used to farm.
Regarding why Sunday has not been reported, the source suggested that the Ojo community currently lacks a king to champion its cause.
Our Minds Are Troubled:
Another source, who preferred not to be named, told TheDiggerNews that the people of Eritrea have been living in palpable fear since the leaked memo was sighted. “Even the memo from the DSS has unsettled our sons and daughters who are living outside this community.”
TheDiggerNews contacted the Eleriti of Eriti Kingdom, the Amomomekun II, Oba Sunday Amos Ogunleye, on the matter. The royal father stated that the government is on the matter and has sent military personnel to meet with the community people.
“In fact, the Joint Security Task Force came in full force in about seven Hilux trucks,” he said.
Oba Ogunleye told TheDiggerNews that no evil shall befall his kingdom. He also stated that high-level meetings are ongoing regarding the matter. He urged his people to be vigilant and report any strange faces and activities they saw or heard.
Meanwhile, TheDigger investigations have uncovered troubling developments in Ugbo Ojo, a remote area where displaced persons from Benue State have been settling for the past two years.
According to sources, a man identified simply as Sunday allegedly leased the land to the migrants without community consent.
“Whenever Sunday is cautioned about the activities of these strangers, he insists the land belongs to his father and that he can host whomever he chooses,” one source told TheDigger.
The area has reportedly become a hotspot for nightlife and questionable activities.
“There are brothels and drinking joints operating there. People drive in at night to unwind, and the place is always brightly lit,” said another source who requested anonymity.
Concerns have also been raised about possible criminal activity, given the location’s isolation — deep in the bush where Ojoke indigenes once farmed. “It’s far from town and hard to monitor,” the source added.
Leadership Vacuum Fuels Inaction
When asked why Sunday has not been reported, a source pointed to the absence of traditional leadership in the Ojo community. “We don’t have a king right now to champion our cause,” the source said.
“Our Minds Are Troubled”
Another informant told TheDiggerNews that residents of Eriti Kingdom and other targeted communities have been living in fear since a leaked memo from the Department of State Services (DSS) surfaced. “Even our sons and daughters outside the community are unsettled,” the source said.
Royal Assurance
In response to the growing tension, TheDiggerNews contacted the Eleriti of Eriti Kingdom, the Amomomekun II, Oba Sunday Amos Ogunleye.
The monarch confirmed that the government is aware of the situation and has deployed military personnel to engage with the community.
“In fact, the Joint Security Task Force came in full force in about seven Hilux trucks,” Oba Ogunleye said.
He assured residents that no evil shall befall his kingdom and revealed that high-level meetings are ongoing. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities.