President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the heinous killing of worshippers on Sunday at the St. Francis Catholic Church on Owa-luwa Street in Owo Kingdom, in Ondo State, South-West Nigeria.
The President says only demons from the under region could have conceived and carried out such a dastardly act, adding that eternal sorrow awaits them both on earth here, and ultimately in the hereafter.
President Buhari in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina mourns the dead and condoles with their families, the Catholic Church, and the Government of Ondo State, charging emergency agencies to swing into action, and bring succour to the wounded.
“No matter what, this country shall never give in to evil and wicked people, and darkness will never overcome the light. Nigeria will eventually win,” the President says.
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Earlier, Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who was in Abuja at the time of the attack said he was returning to the state following the deadly gun attack.
He described it as “Black Sunday” and a “calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom”.
Below is an excerpt of his statement on the incident.
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, is deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, worshipping at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, on Sunday.
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
June 5, 2022.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
