The Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Security, Mr Olugbenga Atiba, has dismissed allegations that he ordered the unlawful raid in the Bature community, Odigbo Local Government Area, leading to the death of a youth leader, Faturoti Eric.
This is contained in a statement issued by Rotimi Abraham, P.A., Media Relations to the SSA on Security Matters, Ondo State Governor.
A report circulating online claims that fully armed officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who allegedly raided the community in a bid to carry out an illegal arrest, did so under Atiba’s orders.
A member of the NSCDC was said to have confirmed to newsmen that the operation was instructed by the Senior Special Assistant on Security to the Ondo State Governor.
In a statement issued by Mr Sekoni, a relative of the Oloja of Leege, the community accused the NSCDC officers of opening fire on unarmed residents who resisted the purportedly unlawful arrest, resulting in the death of Mr Eric.
Reacting to the allegations, Mr Atiba strongly refuted the claims, describing them as “lies from the pit of hell” and an attempt to tarnish his image.
He maintained that he has always acted within the law and denied any involvement in the incident.
“I was nowhere near Odigbo community on the day in question,” Atiba said.
“I have never ordered any NSCDC team to raid Bature or any other community. This report is aimed at casting the government in a bad light. I wasn’t even in Ondo State when this incident occurred, and I would never give such an order.”
Atiba explained that his role is limited to intelligence gathering to safeguard lives and property in the state, not to instigate violence.
“My office does not have the authority to carry out raids. Our government, led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, upholds the rule of law and would never support actions that could lead to the unlawful killing of citizens,” he added.
He assured the public that the government would investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure justice is served.
Atiba also warned against any retaliatory actions by the community, promising that those responsible for the alleged killing, if found guilty, would be brought to book.
Meanwhile, the SSA on Security hinted that the government is aware of the forces behind what he termed “baseless” accusations and political propaganda.
He vowed that those involved in spreading falsehoods would be exposed and dealt with accordingly.
Leave a Reply