The Ondo State authorities has known as for calm amongst residents of the state over the leaked safety alert issued by the Department of State Services (DSS) on deliberate coordinated assaults on some communities within the state by a terrorist group, the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Whereas describing the leaked memo as routine intelligence frequently shared amongst safety companies and authorities within the state, the state’s Commissioner for Info and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, disclosed that it’s used to evaluate safety threats and take proactive measures.
The DSS, in a leaked confidential memo addressed to the Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Military, Akure, the state capital, recognized the goal areas, together with Oyin-Akoko and Eriti-Akoko, each in Akoko North-West Native Council, and Owo, the headquarters of Owo Native Council Space of the state.
With the letter signed by one H.I Kana, the DSS revealed that the teams have commenced surveillance on potential tender targets within the recognized communities, stressing the urgency to implement heightened safety measures within the state with a purpose to forestall such assaults from occurring.
With the event elevating rigidity within the state, notably within the recognized areas, Ajanaku assured that the intelligence is already being acted upon by the federal government and related safety companies, with mandatory precautions being taken to make sure the protection and safety of the folks.
He stated: “The Authorities of Ondo State is conscious of the latest safety alert memo of the State Safety Companies addressed to the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Military in Akure relating to a attainable terrorist assault in some elements of the state, which received leaked to the media.
“Such experiences are a traditional a part of safety operations, geared toward figuring out and stopping potential threats. These intelligence experiences usually comprise various ranges of menace evaluation and are utilized in joint operations by safety companies to reinforce vigilance and take proactive measures.
“The emphasis stays on sustaining vigilance and cooperation between safety companies and the federal government to stop and reply to any potential threats. We urge all residents to stay calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious exercise to the closest safety company. We wish to reassure you that each measure is being taken to stop any assault in Ondo State.
“The Ondo State authorities, led by Governor Fortunate Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is in fixed contact with safety companies and is taking a number of steps to guard residents, particularly these in border communities, in order that Ondo State can stay as one of many most secure States within the nation.
“As soon as once more, we attraction to residents to stay calm, go about their regular every day actions, chorus from taking legislation into their fingers, cooperate with safety companies and supply any info that will assist forestall any menace in any a part of the State.”
In the meantime, the police spokesperson within the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, who confirmed the event, acknowledged that the command had deployed mandatory operational and intelligence property to swiftly deal with the scenario.
Ayanlade additionally acknowledged that the Commissioner of Police within the state, Adebowale Lawal, has held safety conferences with stakeholders from the 2 Police Space Instructions within the Akoko axis.
“In a renewed effort to stop the breakdown of legislation and order, and consistent with the proactive policing methods of the Inspector Basic of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
“The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, on Tuesday, convened a high-powered safety assembly and group engagement session with stakeholders from the 2 Police Space Instructions within the Akoko area, Ikare and Iwaro-Oka,” Ayanlade acknowledged.
The safety alert is coming three years after terrorists suspected to be ISWAP members launched a lethal assault on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, on June 5, 2022, killing 41 worshippers and injuring dozens.
The suspects have been later arrested by the DSS and are at the moment dealing with trial on the Federal Excessive Courtroom in Abuja.
