Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has appealed to the international community to help Nigeria in the fight against terrorism. He said the country must now accept that it was dealing with terrorism, stressing that the June 5th attack in Owo, Ondo State was perpetrated by terrorists.
The governor spoke while receiving members of Council of the All Saints Church, Jericho, Ibadan who came on a condolence visit to him led by its chairman, Dr. Onnuola Adewunmi. He remarked: ”We have terrorists in Nigeria. We need the world to assist Nigeria. If Nigeria does not want it, Ondo State wants it.
They still attacked somewhere in Ogun State recently. There are terrorists lurking in our forests.” The Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum disclosed that the time was ripe for the people to be trained on basic civil-defence, noting that they must be prepared, The Trumpet gathered.
He also harped on the need for Churches to install CCTV as part of security measures to prevent recurrence of the Owo terror attack. Adewunmi, who commiserated with the governor and the people of the state over the Owo massacre, assured that the church would intensify prayers for the state.
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“Sir, you could trust that your church has always been praying for you. You could trust that your church has always supported you in prayers on numerous occasions. This one really overwhelmed us, that such a heinous crime could be committed in our land,” he added.
He prayed for improved security in the country and restoration of the lost values in the land. The team also presented a token for the victims of the attack and prayed against such calamity in the state again. Relatedly, the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ondo State, has commended Akeredolu for showing leadership with empathy, courage and love since the Owo terror attack.
The Christian leaders said the governor’s actions, from the day the attack occurred till date, have shown his love and care as the Chief Shepherd of the good people of the state.
The CAN leaders spoke on Tuesday during their solidarity visit to the governor in Akure. They were led by the CAN Chairman, Rev. Fr. Anselm Ologunwa. He said churches in Ondo State are not unmindful of the bold steps taken by the state government in ensuring security of lives and property.
“In a great way, through the financial supports given, your several visits to the Catholic Bishop of Ondo, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade and the victims in Owo with your presence at the funeral mass, you have shown empathy, courage and utmost leadership in these trying times we found ourselves in the Sunshine State.
“This is demonstrated in your determination and birthing of the Amotekun Corps against all odds to respond to the security challenges in the region.
This feat has earned you a reputation of a fearless and dogged fighter for justice among the three geopolitical zones of Southern Nigeria,” he noted The CAN Chairman further saluted Akeredolu over his advocacy for power shift as well as demand for equity and true federalism.
“Your voice on the demand for the creation of constitutional State Police has resonated in the public space in recent times. Your characteristics have demonstrated courage and boldness as a worthy Omoluwabi and Omo Akin of Yoruba Origin,” he added.
Akeredolu emphasised the need for the people to be vigilant, stressing that churches must be conscious of their security. He reiterated the call for State Police, adding that it was the only effective way to address security challenges in the country.
