Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has decried the ‘unprovoked’ killing of congregants at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, on Sunday.
WITHIN NIGERIA had reported that terrorists armed with sophisticated weapon stormed the church and opened fire on hapless worshippers, killing unspecified number of people.
Reacting to heinous act, Akeredolu described the incident as “vile and satanic”, nothing that it’s a “calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years.”
In a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, he condoled with families of those who lost their lives to “this ugly and unfortunate attack.”
“It is a black Sunday in Owo. Our hearts are heavy. Our peace and tranquility 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 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.