Suspected terrorists attacked a Catholic Church in Ondo state. The church is located in the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area. According to reports, many worshippers who dropped to worship God were killed and many others injured. It was reported the killers are herdsmen who stormed the church and opened fire on worshippers. The church is situated close to the palace of the Olowo of Owo.
Ondo state Governor Reacts to Catholic Church Shooting
As of the time of this report, the security operatives were yet to give a detailed statement regarding the development. However, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has expressed deep sadness over what he calls an unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, worshiping at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-Iowa Street. He said the vile and satanic attack is a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of the Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years.
In his words, he said: “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.” He also 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 resolves to rid our state of criminals.” “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,” Akeredolu stated.
He urged the people to remain calm and also to be very vigilant and to try not to take laws into their hands as he has spoken to the heads of the security agencies.
The governor concluded his statement by saying he has equally been assured that security operatives would be deployed to monitor and restore normalcy to the Owo kingdom.
