Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu condemned the killings by gunmen of some worshipers at Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owo, on Sunday.
This newspaper previously reported that dozens of worshipers were killed in the attack on the church located near the palace of the city’s traditional ruler, Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye.
Several other people who sustained various injuries in the attack have been taken to the Federal Medical Center, Owo, for treatment.
In a statement on Sunday from his spokesman, Richard Olatunde, Akeredolu said: “The vile and satanic attack is a calculated attack on the peace-loving people of the Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years.
Funmilayo Odunlami, the police spokesman in the state, confirmed the incident but said police did not yet have details.
Read the governor’s full statement below:
Owo Attack: We will hunt down the assailants, make them pay-Akeredolu
•Attack Condemnation, Condolences To Relatives Of Victims
Ondo State Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN is deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people from Owo who were worshiping at San Francisco Catholic Church on Owa-luwa Street on Sunday .
The vile and satanic attack is a calculated attack against the peace-loving people of the Kingdom of Owo who have enjoyed relative peace over the years.
“It’s 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 beloved state.
“I have spoken with the bishop of the Catholic diocese of wavedMost Reverend Jude Arogundade, who is currently on his way to Owo. Similarly, I had to cut short my party’s national mission in Abuja and visit Owo immediately.
“This is an unexpected development. I am shocked, to say the least. However, we will dedicate all available resources to hunt down these aggressors and make them pay. We will never bow to the machinations of ruthless elements in our resolve to rid our state of criminals.
“I feel sorry for my people in Owo, in particular the families of those who lost their lives in this ugly and unfortunate attack. I express my condolences to Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye as well as to the Catholic Church.
“I urge our people to remain calm and vigilant. Don’t take the laws into your hands. I’ve talked to the heads of the security agencies. I have also been assured that security officers will be deployed to monitor and restore normality to the kingdom of Owo.” Akeredolu said.
Signed: Richard Olatunde Press Officer of the Governor of the State of Ondo. June 5, 2022.
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