Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has called on the residents of the State to remain calm and not panic over reports of a possible “terrorist attack,” assuring that his administration is working closely with all relevant security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and properties.
Aiyedatiwa, in a statement on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, said his administration was in constant communication with the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force, and the Nigerian Army to forestall any form of security breach in the state.
This comes after a leaked memo from the DSS indicated that suspected members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) were planning coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and neighbouring Kogi State.
The confidential memo, dated October 20, 2025 to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment, Akure, warned that intelligence reports had confirmed plans by ISWAP operatives to strike simultaneously at selected locations in the two states.
Signed by H.I. Kana on behalf of the State Director of Security, the memo identified Eriti Akoko and Oyin Akoko in Akoko North West LGA and Owo town in Owo LGA of the state among the potential targets.
According to the document, the terrorist group had already commenced surveillance on “soft targets” in the affected areas, urging the military to heighten security vigilance.
“The groups have commenced surveillance on potential soft targets in the above-mentioned locations. Consequently, there is a need to scale up the level of security alertness in the various communities to forestall any untoward situation,” the memo stated.
But Aiyedatiwa said his government was already aware of the security alert and had taken proactive steps to safeguard residents, especially those in border communities.
Aiyedatiwa said security has been beefed up across the state, particularly in identified flashpoints, while surveillance and intelligence gathering efforts have been intensified.
“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 one of the safest states in the country,” the statement reads.
The Governor further advised residents to avoid panic, go about their normal activities, and report any suspicious movements to the nearest security formation.
“Once again, we appeal to residents to remain calm, go about their normal daily activities, refrain from taking laws into their hands, and provide any information that may help prevent any threat in any part of the state,” it added.
The statement clarified that the leaked memo was part of routine intelligence-sharing among security agencies and government authorities, describing such communications as a standard practice in preventing 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,” it noted.
The government reaffirmed that the state government and security operatives were fully engaged in ensuring that the safety and peace of the state were not compromised.
“The public can be assured that these reports are being acted upon, and necessary precautions are being taken to ensure safety and security,” the statement said.
“The emphasis remains on maintaining vigilance and cooperation between security agencies and the government to prevent and respond to any potential threats.”
The alert comes three years after suspected ISWAP militants carried out a deadly attack on a Catholic church in Owo, killing more than 40 worshippers during Sunday mass.
In recent months, security experts have voiced concerns over the spread of terrorist activities into parts of southern Nigeria, after years of insurgent violence that had been largely confined to the country’s Northeast.
