Rumoured Bandits’ Attack: Ondo Police Command Deploys Special Squad To Churches, Mosques

By Ayodele Oni

Following rumours of  impending attacks on some Churches in Ondo State, the Police Command has ordered the deployment of special squads to places of worship in the State.

The impending attacks by bandits which was said to have been conveyed through a letter, has however been debunked by the command and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, who dismissed the rumours that there would be a possible attack by bandits on the ancient community.

There were even suggestions that St. Francis Catholicism Church, Owo, which was attacked three years ago, might again be the target of the attack.

The rumours come amid the reported plans by the palace of Olowo to organise a security summit to address possible planned attacks and other security concerns in the town.

Oba Ogunoye was quoted to have told the Media on Saturday that the rumours were meant to cause panic in Owo and its environs.

“It is fake news; there is nothing like that; we have been organising security summit.

“The media platform [which reported the rumour] just tried to generate traffic to its platform; so, there’s nothing like that,” the traditional ruler was quoted to have said.

Oba Ogunoye, who is the Chairman of Ondo State Traditional Rulers Council, said that the ancient town was peaceful.

The Police Command, in a statement on Sunday, also urged people to disregard the information.

But in the interim, the command, in a bid to forestall any breach, said it has deployed personnel to places of worship especially on special days.

The statement signed by the Command’s spokesman, Ayankade Olusola, stated that “the attention of the Ondo State Police Command has been drawn to reports circulating on some media platforms regarding an alleged letter purportedly written by a bandit involved in the tragic Owo Church attack, threatening to strike again.

“The Command wishes to state unequivocally that while the source and authenticity of the said letter remain unverified, the report has necessitated a prompt and strategic response in the interest of public safety.

“In response, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the heavy deployment of operational assets to all Churches and Mosques across the State, particularly, during days of worship.

“Surveillance and patrol activities have also been significantly intensified to forestall any potential attack and reassure the public of their safety.

“Residents of Ondo State are therefore advised to go about their lawful activities without fear or panic.

“The Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, remain fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of all lives and property in the State.”