Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has described the terror attack on innocent worshippers at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo, as a massacre and horrific. Governor Akeredolu during his visitation to the scene said the attack was sad, adding that it was the dastardliest act that could happen in any society.
Akeredolu also visited the hospitals where survivors of the unprovoked attack are currently receiving medical attention, as well as the Palace of the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, to condole with him over the sad incident. He commended the doctors and health workers at the hospital for the prompt attention given to the survivors of the terror attack.
The governor said: “What has happened here today is tragic. No better way to qualify it. It is the most tragic event! Horrific! What we have seen in America is a child’s play to what has happened here.
Read Also: EFCC tasks corps members on public awareness against graft
“That it happened in a church, to say the least, is most condemnable. I feel terribly sad, and I can understand our people are in a sad mood. Nobody will see or hear what happened here that will feel safe.”
While reiterating the commitment of his administration to the security of life and property of citizens of the state, he disclosed that the security agencies lost two men to the attack. He said the attack was unexpected, sudden, saying how the gunmen entered and escaped was still surprising. He maintained that the gunmen made a mistake of attacking Owo, vowing that they would not escape justice.
“It was like a deliberate target on Owo. But they made a mistake because we are bold. We don’t run away from battles. We will fight them. No matter what it takes.”
The governor affirmed that the perpetrators would never escape as the security operatives are after them. He further expresses his condolences to those who have lost their dear ones to the gruesome murder. He assured the people that such an occurrence would not happen again in the state. He appealed to the residents to maintain calm, avoid taking the law into their hands and let the security agencies take charge.
Speaking, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye commended the governor for showing leadership, adding that it takes genuine leadership for the governor to have flown into the state from Abuja barely three hours after the incident happened. Olowo said there must be a motive behind the attack, saying it behoves on the security agencies to investigate it deep down so those behind it would face the full wrath of the law.
“No one brings battle into Owo. We shall give it what it takes. I believe the federal government should be much more concerned. Those behind this want to cause discord in the country. The whole nation is challenged. On our part, whatever is expected of us, we will do. I have spoken to our youths to remain calm.”
