Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has expressed deep sadness over the killing of worshippers at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo on Sunday.
The governor’s Press Secretary Richard Olatunde disclosed this in a statement in Akura the Ondo State capital.
The church was attacked by gunmen early Sunday morning when a service was going on.
The statement reads in part: “The vile and satanic attack is a 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 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,” he stated.
Akeredolu said the attack was least, adding he was 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,” he said.
Akeredolu còndoled the people of Owo, particularly families of victims of the attack.
“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,” he stated.
Akeredolu enjoined the people to be calm and sensitive, asking them not to engage in any act that could complicate the crisis.
“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.
