By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos
The Ondo State Police Command and the General Overseer of Corban Christian Assembly, Apostle Micheal Olowookere, are at odds over a viral video in which the cleric warned of a possible terror attack in parts of Ondo State.
In the video circulating on social media, Olowookere alleged that Akure, Akoko and Owo areas of the state could come under attack between Monday and Friday. He claimed that churches, security formations and other large gatherings were likely targets.
“There is a pending terror attack in Ondo State between now and Friday,” the cleric said in the video.
“The target of the attack are churches, security outposts or any form of large gatherings.”
The cleric urged residents, particularly church leaders, to heighten security measures and remain vigilant.
“Mount men around your churches, let them watch. Ensure you monitor movement,” he advised.
Olowookere further sparked controversy after calling on communities across the state to organise and arm themselves for protection.
“Organize yourselves in every local government… arm yourselves with guns,” he declared.
He also accused security agencies and government authorities of failing to adequately tackle insecurity, alleging that suspects arrested in connection with crimes are often released.
Reacting to the development, the Ondo State Police Command dismissed the warning as unverified and cautioned residents against spreading information capable of causing panic.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command said the claims contained in the viral video had no confirmed intelligence support.
“The claims contained in the video are, at present, unverified and without any confirmed intelligence backing,” the statement read.
The police urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid circulating “alarmist information capable of causing fear, panic or unnecessary tension within the state.”
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, had ordered a discreet investigation into the source and content of the video.
The command added that security operations had been strengthened across vulnerable locations in the state.
“Surveillance operations, intelligence gathering, strategic monitoring and security deployments have been intensified across board especially vulnerable points within the State,” the police stated.
The police further reassured residents that there was currently no confirmed intelligence indicating any imminent terrorist threat in Ondo State.
“The Command wishes to reassure residents that, as of this moment, there is no confirmed intelligence indicating any imminent terrorist attack in Ondo State,” the statement added.
Residents were, however, encouraged to stay vigilant, report suspicious activities to security agencies and rely only on verified official information on security matters.
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