Owo terror attack: Victims recount ordeals as Ondo Govt completes first phase of donations

Some surviving victims and families of the gruesome attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, have recounted their ordeals as the state government completed its first phase of cash donations.

Some of the victims, in a separate interviews, after receiving the cash gifts and food items, commended the state government, saying the donation would go a long way to assuage the pains inflicted by the dastardly act.

The beneficiaries include Onuoha Chinedu, who lost his both parents, Omodara Feyidupe, who lost her brother and others, appreciated Governor Akeredolu for being sensitive to their plights and fulfilling his promises.

Speaking during the donation, Onuoha Chinedu, a corp member, said, “I was in the church on that Sunday and I thank God for saving my life. I wish to appreciate the Ondo State Government for what they have done thus far, and for the fatherly love.

Chinedu stressed that the government’s kind gesture shows that there is still a government that has sympathy for its citizens.

Also, Omodara Feyidupe, who lost her brother, Obuche Krummale, to the attack, commended the government for the timely intervention since the incident happened.

On his part, Ngozika Onyeke, who lost her husband, Onyebuchi Onyeke and Lawrence Nzelu, who lost his wife, Stella Nzelu, during the attack, expressed gratitude to the government, saying the kind gesture has given them hope.

Other victims including Idoko Ofoma, who survived the incident with his wife and five children, appreciated the government for reaching out to them.

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Speaking at the donation of cash and food held at the premises of St Francis Catholic Church, a member of the Donation Management Committee, Mr Dare Aragbaiye, explained that the committee would come back from time to time to disburse more money to the victims, especially the deceased families as soon as more funds come into the purse which the state government has created for the purpose.

Aragbaiye, who doubled as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, disclosed that the state government on Tuesday, started the disbursement of cash that amounted to several millions of naira to the victims of June 5th incident.

Aragbaiye, who was in the company of some other committee members, noted that the cash donation would assist the beneficiaries to overcome the trauma, both physical and psychological.

He appreciated Akeredolu for his prompt response to assist the victims since the incident happened on the 5th of June.

He said: “Mr Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has been on this matter, particularly on the need to bring succour to the families whose loved ones were killed in the incident. And also to the injured, some of whom are still visiting the hospitals for treatments and follow-ups.

“In order not to delay this support meant for them, Mr Governor directed that a reasonable amount of money be given to each of them. Each of the families and each of the injured, and that is precisely what we have done.

“I believe that this will go a long way to bringing relief to the victims. The incident was unfortunate but to the glory of God, many still survived. And many of the relatives of those who died also need support.”

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