Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has pledged to bring assailants of the murderous attack on worshippers at Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo to justice.
In a Statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, the governor, who said he was deeply saddened by attack, described it as a vile and satanic calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years.
“It is 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 dear state.
Governor Akeredolu pledged to deploy all resources to bring the attackers to book.
“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 Ondo helmsman said he had to cut short All Progressive Party national assignment in Abuja because of the tragic incident.
. “I have had to cut short my party’s national assignment in Abuja and visit Owo immediately.”
He said had contacted the Bishop of the Catholic Dioceses of Ondo.
“I have spoken to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, who is presently on his way to Owo.”
Governor Akeredolu, while commiserating with the families of the victims of the dastardly attack, urged citizens to stay calm and remain vigilant
“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.” Akeredolu said.
In a related development, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the State, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, has expressed sadness over the act of wickedness, that left on it’s trail misery, painful tears, and irreparable losses.
The Chairman, on behalf of the State chapter, condemns the killing of innocent souls, in a most gruesome manner, who gathered to worship their creator.
Adetimehin prayed God to console the bereaved families, Mr. Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, over the attack.
The State APC challenges security agencies to smoke out the perpetrators of the dastard act, and make all necessary arrangements to forestall a recurrence.
Adetimehin further urges the good people of the State to be more vigilant and report suspicious activity to security agencies, for prompt response.
Similar, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Ondo State Chapter has condemned in very strong terms the attack in which more than fifty people including women and children were killed.
According to a Statement by the State Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, the party
urges the security agencies to up their game to be more proactive than allowing this kind of calamity to strike before promises of tracking down the culprits.
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The Ondo PDP commiserated with families of the victims of the attack, the Olowo of Owo, His Royal Majesty Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye 111 and all Ondo State people who are traumatised by this killing.
“It is unacceptable for worshippers to be mowed down in a church. The perpetrators must certainly be animals just in human skin.It is sacrilegious.”
Isaac Afolabi/Dupe Isename/Adebukola Aluko
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