Owo Massacre: Akeredolu vows to hunt down attackers of church
Many persons were feared dead on Sunday as suspected bandits opened fire on worshipers at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, in Owo council area of Ondo State capital, an attack which Governor Rotimi Akeredolu said his administration will hunt down the perpetrators.
The St Francis Catholic Church was attacked by gunmen while the Sunday service was nearing its conclusion.
A member of the St Francis Catholic Church Council, Kehinde Ogunkorode has confirmed that gunmen suspected to be kidnappers attacked the church killing no fewer than 25 worshippers.
Many people were killed in the attack, including children and women.
The gunmen were said to have detonated explosives before firing at the worshippers.
The governor described the incident as “vile and satanic”, calling it a “calculated assault” on the people of Owo.
“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,” Akeredolu said.
“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 resolve to rid our state of criminals.
“I commiserate with my people in Owo, particularly families of 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.”
