We’re working with Security Agencies to prevent attacks following leaked memo – Gov assures
We’re working with Security Agencies to prevent attacks following leaked memo – Gov assures
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has appealed to residents to remain calm and not panic following reports of a possible “terrorist attack,” assuring that his administration is working with all relevant security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, the governor said the state government remains in close contact with the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force, and the Nigerian Army to prevent any security breach.
The governor’s statement followed the circulation of a leaked DSS memo alleging that suspected members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) were planning coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and neighbouring Kogi State.
According to the confidential document dated October 20, 2025, and addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment, Akure, intelligence reports confirmed that ISWAP operatives were plotting simultaneous strikes on selected locations across 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 Local Government Area and Owo town in Owo Local Government Area among the potential targets.
It warned that the terrorist group had begun surveillance on “soft targets” and urged heightened 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.
Reacting to the development, Aiyedatiwa said his administration was aware of the alert and had already taken “proactive steps to safeguard residents, especially those in border communities.”
He explained that security has been strengthened across the state, particularly in identified flashpoints, with intensified surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations.
“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 also urged citizens 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.”
The statement clarified that the leaked memo formed part of routine intelligence-sharing among security agencies, describing it as a normal preventive measure.
“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.
Reassuring residents of their safety, the government affirmed that all security agencies 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 attacked a Catholic church in Owo, killing more than 40 worshippers during Sunday mass—a tragedy that remains one of the darkest moments in the state’s recent history.
Security analysts have in recent months warned of the southward spread of terrorist activities, raising concerns that insurgent operations once limited to Nigeria’s Northeast are gradually extending into parts of the South.
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Tinubu mourns Abubakar’s passing, the Imam who shielded over 200 Christians in his mosque during communal riot
Tinubu mourns Abubakar’s passing, the Imam who shielded over 200 Christians in his mosque during communal riot
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, Chief Imam of Nghar village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau, who passed away at 92.
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Friday in Abuja.
The late cleric gained national and international recognition in 2018 for sheltering more than 200 Christians during communal violence in Plateau.
Tinubu described Abubakar as an extraordinary religious leader whose life exemplified faith, courage and a deep reverence for the sanctity of human life.
“At such a time when tribal and religious tendencies seemed to overwhelm reason, Imam Abubakar stood firmly on the side of peace, benevolence and conscience.
“Mindless of the enormous risk to his own life, the noble cleric chose humanity over division, love as opposed to hatred and embrace rather than rejection,” the President said.
He said the Imam’s actions embodied the true essence of faith and delivered a powerful message beyond sermons.
The President noted that the cleric’s uncommon bravery earned him local and international honours celebrating peaceful coexistence.
“I urge religious and community leaders to imbibe and preach the spirit of tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful togetherness as expounded in the life of Imam Abubakar,” Tinubu said.
He prayed that God grants the late Imam eternal rest and rewards him for his courage and good deeds. (NAN)
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Govt. introduces solar installation, garment making, GSM repairs in jss curriculum
Govt. introduces solar installation, garment making, GSM repairs in jss curriculum
The Anambra Government has introduced 15 entrepreneurial subjects into the Junior Secondary School (JSS) curriculum to enhance students’ practical skills and foster an entrepreneurial mindset.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new subjects include solar installation, garment making, GSM repairs, agriculture and processing, plumbing, tiling, POP installation and event management.
Others are bakery, hairstyling, make-up, interior design, CCTV/intercom installation, digital literacy, information technology and robotics.
Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, Chairperson ,Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC), while speaking at the occasion in Awka on Friday, said the initiative was aimed at repositioning education to meet contemporary needs.
Ikediugwu noted that in a rapidly changing world, education should go beyond theory and examinations to equip students with practical skills, creativity, innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset.
“The goal of the programme is to prepare learners, not only to seek jobs but to create value, generate employment and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of the state,”she said.
Mr Cyril Nwuche of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, delivered a paper titled “Building Entrepreneurial Secondary Schools: Why Every School Needs an Entrepreneurship Club”.
Nwuche said the introduction of entrepreneurial subjects showed that the government was on the path to transforming the state’s economy.
“Traditional academic instruction alone is no longer sufficient to prepare children for the future.
“There is the need for schools to embrace practical and skill-based learning to enable students to thrive in a dynamic global environment, ” he said. (NAN)
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Two men docked for allegedly defiling underaged girl
Two men docked for allegedly defiling underaged girl
The police in Lagos on Friday, charged two men before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defiling an 11- year-old girl.
The defendants are: Prince Tomnyie, 40, a businessman, who resides at Agege, and Micheal Adenuga, 24, a furniture maker, who resides at Atere Street in Lekki.
They are standing trial on charges of defilement, and had each pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, ASP Adegoke Ademigbuji told the court that they committed the offence sometimes in December 2024, and September 2025, at Langbasa Ajah and Igbara Lekki, Lagos .
The prosecutor alleged that the victim’s father, had taken his daughter for medical check and it was discovered that the minor had been defiled.
The prosecution alleged that the victim had told her father that his friend, Tomnyie, defiled her sometimes ago.
Ademigbuji alleged that the victim also mentioned the second defendant’s name who lives in their neigbourhood.
The offence contravenes the provisons of section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr L. A Owolabi, granted the defendants bail in the sum of of N600,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.
He adjourned the case until March 5, for mention. (NAN)
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