Culture

Political Violence: Ekiti Obas Invoke the Gods Against Perpetrators

By Web News 1252

Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers has invoked the gods of the land and rained curses on any person or group that engages in activities that can disrupt the peace of the state.

The action of the royal fathers follow a political crisis in Itaji and Ado-Ekiti which led to the death of some persons while several others sustained serious injuries.

The monarchs rained the curses in Ado Ekiti during a meeting held with members of political parties, leaders of driver unions, and concerned citizens of the state.

Speaking at the meeting, the chairman of traditional rulers in Ekiti state and Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon expressed dissatisfaction over the recent political crisis in the state and cautioned those behind such to stop or face the wrath of Ekiti ancestors.

Also, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe called on leaders of drivers and Okada riders to call their members to order.

Some of the major candidates contesting the governorship election including Mr Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Segun Oni of Social Democratic, SDP and Erelu Kemi Elebute Halle of African Democratic Party, ADP, who were present at the meeting promised to maintain peace during and after the poll.

Olaniyi Alade

Lifestyle

Owo Attack: Akeredolu Extends Mourning Period

By Web News 492

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has extended the ongoing mourning period in the state to Wednesday, June 15th, 2022.

This was contained in a Press release by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Richard Olatunde.

The extension is sequel to the resolution of the Southwest Governors’ Forum to observe a 3-day mourning period, starting from Monday, 13th June to Wednesday, 15th June, 2022 across all the Southwest states.

Governor Akeredolu has also directed that all flags in the state must be flown at half-mast for the three days period.

It would be recalled that the Governor had directed that all flags in the state be flown at half-mast for seven days from Monday, June 6th, to Sunday, June 12th, 2022.

Governor Akeredolu appreciated other southwest Governors for the cooperation shown since attack at saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo.

Isaac Afolabi

Security

Owo Attack: Akeredolu Receives Oyetola, Harps on State Police

By Web News 415

Political leaders in the Southwest will spare no effort towards strengthening the security architecture in the region to prevent further attacks on the people.

Osun State Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, stated this Sunday when he paid a condolence visit to his Ondo State counterpart, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, at the Government House, Akure, over last Sunday’s terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, in Ondo State.

Governor Oyetola said the visit was in the spirit of solidarity and brotherhood as he described the incident as cruel, barbaric and heinous.

He said the attack was a reminder for the leaders to refocus the security direction to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the region.

Responding, Governor Akeredolu appreciated Governor Oyetola for deeming it fit to visit him after he had made several calls to condole the State over the ugly incident.

Governor Akeredolu admitted that the present happenings called for new strategies and approaches, saying the idea of state police should be pursued for effective policing.

Recall that yet-to-be-identified gun-men had last week Sunday unleashed terror on the innocent citizens and worshipers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo leaving many dead and others injured.

Abiodun Adeoye

Crime

NUP Loses Members in Owo Church Attack

By Web News 540

Nigeria Union Of Pensioners, NUP, Ondo State Council, has mourned the death of some members during last Sunday attack on St Francis Catholic Church Owa-luwa Street, Owo, Ondo State.

The Union also laments the callous ways in which the unprovoked and barbaric massacre was carried out at the church.

The State Chairman of NUP, Comrade Johnson Osunyemi, stated this in a condolence message issued by the Union’s State Secretary, Comrade Akin Sunday.

The NUP Chairman condemned the attack which basically cut short the lives of some Senior Citizens who were members of the Union as well as other bright Nigerians especially children, while dozens of people were injured.

The leadership of the NUP condoles the families of the victims, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the  Olowo of Owo kingdom, the Bishop of Catholic, Diocese of Ondo: Bishop Jude Arogundade, the priest and parishioners of St Francis Catholic Church Owa-luwa, Owo.

“We want to appeal to our security agencies and the Federal Government to redouble their efforts at protecting the citizenry anywhere they are irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation.

The NUP leadership also wants to “strongly appeal to the general public to donate blood for the victims who need emergency blood transfusion. We also need the prayers of all to have the strength to weather the storm.

The Union commends the efforts of  Ondo state government and the Amotekun Corps at ensuring security of lives and property.

Leke Adegbite/Olaolu Fawole

News

Owo Attack: 22 Worshippers Confirmed Dead- State Government

By Web News 545

The Ondo State government on Tuesday disclosed that 22 worshippers were confirmed dead in the terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo town.

The government further disclosed that a total of 87 worshippers were affected by the attack on the church which occurred during mass on Sunday.

Giving the breakdown, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka said 18 people were on admission at the Federal Medical Centre and St. Louis Hospital all in Owo town.

Ajaka, who stated that seven people were treated on an out-patient basis at St. Louis Hospital explained that four victims have been treated and discharged successfully.

According to him, “The total involved as of today (Tuesday) is 88. And the breakdown is this; out of the 88, we have confirmed 22 dead.

“So, there were about 7 people treated on an outpatient basis at St. Louis Hospital. There are 19 on admission at the same hospital.

“The dastardly act left so many dead and others injured. We have relocated to the Owo since that day and the governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is coordinating us here. We are here to ensure that we track everybody involved”.

“Presently, 66 worshippers survived the attack. This morning, a 3-year old child was admitted as a result of the blast. The baby was still in shock due to the sound of the explosion.

“We thank the state governor and other stakeholders for their support since the beginning of this incident. This is a very sad situation for us in Ondo State. The people of the state responded by donating blood for the victims to save their lives. The Country Representative of the World Health Organisation is also on the ground to render assistance.

PR/Bukola Bardi

Security

Makinde Visits Owo, says Terrorism must be Tackled

By Web News 402

Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde has visited Owo, Ondo State, where worshippers at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, were attacked on Sunday, leading to scores of deaths and injuries.

The governor, who condoled with the government and people of Ondo State on the unfortunate incident, noted that necessary intelligence must be deployed to prevent a recurrence of such incident.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicates that Governor Makinde, was received at the premises of the church by his Ondo state counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu, and the Minister of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola.

The statement further says Governor Makinde also visited the affected church and the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, in company of governor Akeredolu and Raul Aregbesola.

Speaking to newsmen at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where most of the surviving victims with various degrees of injuries were receiving treatments, governor Makinde said that the nation must be prepared to stop terrorism.

Governor Makinde who was accompanied by his Special Adviser on Strategy and political Matters,Mr Babatunde Oduyoye expressed that he was concerned and hoped that there was no nexus between the June 5, 2021 attack on Igangan, Oyo State and that of Owo, Ondo State in June 2022.

Governor Makinde, who was moved to tears at the sight of an infant casualty with severe injuries, said the attack was unacceptable and highly condemnable.

He declared that such kind of attacks must never be allowed to re occur, calling on all stakeholders to be more prepared and to deploy intelligence to prevent a recurrence.

Iyabo Adebisi

Lifestyle

Owo Attack: Ondo Govt Directs Flying of Flags at Half Mast

By Web News 768

In Ondo State, the Nigerian flags are to fly at half-mast for seven days in honour of the victims of yesterday’s terror attack in Owo.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in a news release directed all public buildings, facilities, and official residences to comply from today, Monday, June 6, to Sunday, June 12, 2022.

The Governor maintained that the attack on innocent worshipers at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo was a deliberate and calculated assault on the people of the state.

He, however, said that the government would not be deterred in responding appropriately to the dastardly act, describing it as a collective loss to the state.

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