The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has vowed to do everything within his power to hunt down killers who attacked St. Francis Catholic Church in Owa-luwa Street, killing unsuspecting worshippers.
Akeredolu, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, expressed sadness over the tragic incident, stressing that it was an unprovoked attack.
According to the governor, the incident was a vile and satanic attack, calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom who had enjoyed relative peace over the years.
He further stated: “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.”
The governor further said: “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.”
