Ondo PDP Blasts Governor Aiyedatiwa for Alleged Complacency Over DSS-Issued ISWAP Attack Warning

The political landscape in Ondo State has intensified following a leaked security alert from the Department of State Services (DSS) concerning planned, coordinated attacks on communities by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terror group. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has strongly criticised the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration, asserting that it exhibits a profound lack of seriousness in its approach to tackling security challenges across the state.

Dependable NG reports that the opposition party believes the attitude of the current government toward security matters has severely demoralised security agencies operating within the state. In a statement released by the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Wande T. Ajayi, a clear demand was issued for the governor to convene an urgent security summit, commit essential resources, and take immediate steps to rebuild confidence among various security agencies. Ajayi strongly emphasised the critical need for decisive leadership in the state at this time.

The PDP lamented that Ondo, once recognised as a model of peace and vigilance across the South-West region, is witnessing this hard-earned legacy being rapidly squandered. Ajayi noted that previous administrations had consistently worked to strengthen collaboration between agencies and provide solid support to the Amotekun Corps. Furthermore, the party maintained that the welfare of Amotekun officers must be addressed immediately, advocating for the corps’ operatives to be fully integrated into the state civil service. This integration, the party argued, would guarantee job security, lead to improved funding, and boost motivation for the officers to perform their duties optimally.

The statement painted a grim picture of the once vibrant Amotekun Corps, describing it as now struggling, surviving on “empty promises and token allowances.” Ajayi accused the government of favouring “photo opportunities over purposeful leadership,” which has resulted in the officers, who are the first line of community defence, battling poor welfare, inadequate logistics, and dwindling motivation. The PDP Director of Media found it deeply alarming that while credible intelligence reports warned of potential terrorist activity, the governor’s response to security management appears limited to travelling extensively and issuing “hollow pronouncements.” Meanwhile, the state government, through the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, urged residents to remain calm. Ajanaku downplayed the leaked memo, characterising it as routine intelligence that is regularly exchanged between the government and security agencies for threat assessment and the implementation of proactive security measures.