Gov Akeredolu condemns Owo Church attack, vows to hunt down perpetrators
By OUR REPORTER
The Governor of Ondo State, South West Nigeria, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has condemned the Sunday’s attack killing a yet to be ascertained number of worshipers at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo, Owo Local Government Area in the state, with a vow to hunt down the assailants.
The DEFENDER earlier reported that the state police command confirmed the incident but would not give details it had investigate to find out what actually happened.
In a statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Richard Olatunde, Governor Akeredolu said was said to have been deeply saddened by what he described as unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, while worshipping in the church on Sunday.
He described the attack as vile and satanic, calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years.
“It is a black Sunday in Owo. Our hearts are heavy. Our peace and tranquillity have been attacked by the enemies of the people. This is a personal loss, an attack on our dear state.
“I have spoken to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, who is presently on his way to Owo. Similarly, I have had to cut short my party’s national assignment in Abuja and visit Owo immediately.
“This is an unexpected development. I am shocked, to say the least. Nevertheless, We shall commit every available resource to hunt down these assailants and make them pay. We shall never bow to the machinations of heartless elements in our resolves to rid our state of criminals.
“I commiserate with my people in Owo, particularly families of the those who lost their lives to this ugly and unfortunate attack. I extend my condolences to Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye as well as the Catholic Church.
“I urge our people to remain calm and vigilant. Do not take laws into your hands. I have spoken to the heads of the security agencies. I have equally been assured that security operatives would be deployed to monitor and restore normalcy to Owo kingdom.” Akeredolu said.
