The Department of State Services (DSS) has alerted Muslim and Christian leaders in Osun State to an alleged plan by terrorists to att@ck places of worship and other public gathering centres in an attempt to frustrate the 2027 general elections.
Tribune reports that the DSS held separate meetings with the Muslim community and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Osogbo on Wednesday, September 9, where religious leaders were advised to take preventive measures against possible attacks. NigerianLifestyle Magazine
The development followed an intelligence report that terrorists were planning to spread insecurity to the southern part of the country, particularly the South-West, and create tension ahead of the presidential election.
Confirming the meeting with the DSS, the President of the Osun State Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustapha Olawuyi, said the security alert was genuine, adding that religious bodies had been advised on various preventive measures.
“The DSS came from Abuja to Osun to warn us about a plot by some politicians and terrorists to frustrate the 2027 election, and for every one of us to be careful.
The officers said they had intelligence that the terrorists would mobilise to the southern part of the country and the South-West, especially to cause mayhem so that the election may not hold or cause apathy.
They advised that all religious centres should be watchful. They told us not to allow anybody with a car to park close to the people or congregation during Jumat prayer or gathering. They warned us against allowing anybody to sleep in the mosque. They also told us to be careful of compromised commercial motorcycles and herders. They told us to have night guards at every mosque.”
Similarly, the Osun State CAN Chairman, Pastor John Adeleke, confirmed the meeting, saying the DSS asked Christian leaders to inform churches and school owners to be security-conscious.
An extract from a report of the meeting circulated across some Christian WhatsApp groups in the state read in part
“The DSS Osun State Command called for a meeting with the OSCAN Chairman, Rev. Dr John Adeleke, on the alertness of security in Osun State.
They made it known, based on their intelligence and security expertise, that the attackers or the terrorists have mapped Osun State, and that between now and the period of the coming presidential election, they will attack some states. They planned to go through Kaduna, Jos and come down to Osun State.
Their targets are places of gathering, such as churches, mosques, markets, schools, clubs or viewing centres, etc., and we are asked to put tight security in place in our churches.”