By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Department of State Services (DSS) has warned Muslim and Christian leaders in Osun State about an alleged terrorist plot targeting worship centres and public gatherings. The warning came during separate meetings in Osogbo on Wednesday, amid rising tension following the killing of Olalekan Ajagungbade. The DSS said the alleged plot could worsen insecurity and disrupt the 2027 general elections.
DSS Warns Religious Leaders
The DSS held separate meetings with the Muslim community and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Osogbo.
During the meetings, security officials urged religious leaders to take preventive measures against possible attacks.
The warning followed intelligence suggesting that terrorists planned to spread insecurity across southern Nigeria.
The South-West reportedly remains a major area of concern ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
According to the DSS, the alleged plan could create fear and tension across the region.
Muslim Community Confirms DSS Meeting
The President of the Osun State Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustapha Olawuyi, confirmed the DSS meeting.
Olawuyi said the meeting took place in Osogbo on Wednesday.
He also said the security agency outlined several proactive steps to prevent possible attacks.
“The meeting is true; it was held on Wednesday in Osogbo,” Olawuyi said.
He urged residents to remain careful and vigilant because of the security concerns.
Olawuyi further claimed that suspected terrorists had attempted to infiltrate Osun State.
He recalled an earlier incident involving about 200 herders who entered Osun through the Ikirun axis.
According to him, authorities later sent the herders out of the state.
He also mentioned individuals who entered the state on motorcycles.
He said some of them could not communicate in the local language, prompting authorities to send them away.
Olawuyi praised the DSS for gathering intelligence and alerting residents about possible threats.
DSS Warning Comes After Ajagungbade Killing
The security warning came barely 24 hours before the killing of Olalekan Ajagungbade.
Ajagungbade, popularly known as Emir in political circles, was an ally of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Reports said gunmen lured him to a motor park in Ile-Ife for a meeting.
The attackers reportedly shot him in the head during the incident.
His death triggered tension in some parts of Osun State.
Ajagungbade was reportedly involved in efforts to gain control of motor parks across the state.
Reports linked the struggle to Nurudeen Alowonle, the current leader of commercial drivers in Osun.
Adeleke Orders Arrest of Suspects
Following the killing, Governor Ademola Adeleke directed the Osun State Police Command to arrest everyone linked to the incident.
The governor also ordered security agencies to restore peace across affected areas.
Through his spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke urged residents to remain calm.
He directed the immediate vacation of motor parks by rival groups.
The governor also ordered the immediate introduction of a Park Management System.
Governor Plans New Motor Park Management System
Adeleke said the new system would restore discipline across motor parks and garages.
He also promised to issue an Executive Order to establish the management structure.
According to the governor, the move would help prevent further violence and disorder.
“Law and order must be maintained. There will be no sacred cows,” Adeleke said.
He added that authorities would bring all those responsible for the killing to justice.
The governor also assured residents that security agencies would maintain peace across affected communities.
“We will ensure restoration of peace in all the affected parks and areas,” he said.
Adeleke stressed that security agencies had received instructions to sustain peace across the state.
Security Agencies Step Up Vigilance
The latest developments have heightened security concerns across Osun State.
The DSS warning and Ajagungbade’s killing have raised fresh concerns about public safety.
Religious leaders have consequently been urged to remain vigilant.
Meanwhile, security agencies face growing pressure to prevent further attacks.
Authorities must also investigate the killing and identify everyone connected to the incident.
The governor’s proposed Park Management System could also reshape control of commercial transport facilities across Osun.
