Terrorists plot attacks on Osun worship centres, markets
By: Abudu Olalekan
There are fears of a possible plot to cause trouble in Osun State. The Department of State Services (DSS) has alerted Muslim and Christian leaders in the state over plans by terrorists to attack places of worship, markets and other public gathering spots, in a bid to frustrate the 2027 general elections, Reportersroom has gathered.
On Wednesday in Osogbo, the DSS held separate meetings with the Muslim community and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Their message to religious leaders was a simple one: be on guard and take necessary steps to prevent any attacks.
The alert, according to findings, was based on intelligence that terrorists were trying to spread insecurity to the southern part of Nigeria, especially the South-West, and create tension ahead of the presidential election.
Confirming his own meeting with the DSS, the President of the Osun State Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustapha Olawuyi, told Reportersroom on Friday that the warning was true.
“Yes, the meeting was held on Wednesday in Osogbo,” he said. “We need to be very careful and vigilant. For quite a while now, these people have been trying to infiltrate Osun.”
Olawuyi spoke from experience. He recalled that some time ago, the Muslim community had to send back about 200 herders who flooded the state from the Ikirun axis. There were also some strangers who rode into Osun on motorcycles. They couldn’t speak the local language, so they were sent back.
“The DSS is doing a very good job,” he added. “Especially when it comes to getting intelligence and alerting people on time.”
In an audio message that was later sent to imams across the state and obtained by Reportersroom, Olawuyi gave more details of what the DSS told them.
According to him, DSS officers from Abuja warned them of a plot by some politicians and terrorists to frustrate the 2027 elections. They said terrorists would mobilise to the southern part of the country, most especially the South-West, to cause mayhem. Either to stop the election from holding, or to discourage people from voting.
The officers, he noted, advised all religious centres to be watchful. They warned against allowing any car to park very close to worshippers during Jumu’ah or any gathering. Nobody should be allowed to sleep in the mosque. They also told them to be wary of compromised commercial motorcyclists, herders, and to ensure every mosque had night guards.
Over on the Christian side, the Osun CAN Chairman, Pastor John Adeleke, also confirmed the DSS meeting. He said the security agency asked them to warn churches, school owners and others to be security-conscious.
An extract from CAN’s meeting report, which circulated on some Christian WhatsApp groups, stated that based on its intelligence, the DSS had mapped out Osun State as one of the places terrorists plan to attack between now and the presidential election.
It noted that the attackers were expected to move through Kaduna, Jos, before coming down to Osun. Their targets, the report said, would be places where people gather – churches, mosques, markets, schools, clubs, viewing centres and the likes.
Speaking further with Reportersroom, Adeleke said the DSS gave them some very specific warnings. They were told not to allow strange vehicles to park close to church premises, as there could be explosives in them.
“They also told us to be careful with night programmes,” he said, “so people don’t take advantage of the cover of darkness to carry out their evil plans.”
The DSS, according to him, advised church leaders to ask questions before allowing any stranger into their premises. They also urged them to pass the same warning to school owners and other places that usually have large crowds.
“We’ve sent this message to all our blocs and platforms so our people can be informed,” Adeleke stated. “Of course, God is our divine protector. But where we need to do our part and be careful, we must do that. If anyone sees anything suspicious, they should speak up.”
Olalekan A. Abudu is a seasoned and dedicated News Journalist at REPORTERS ROOM, with over eight years of experience. He specializes in politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial issues. Committed to accuracy and balanced reporting, Olalekan exemplifies the principles of public-interest journalism.
