By The governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu has described the Sunday attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in the Owo area of the state as “vile and satanic”.
BlackBox Nigeria had reported that suspected terrorists attacked the church while a service was going on, leaving many worshippers dead and several others injured.
Reacting to the development in a statement, Akeredolu said he was deeply saddened by the incident, saying it was a “black Sunday in Owo”.
I am deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, worshiping at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Today.
The vile & satanic attack is a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years. pic.twitter.com/30fMbfnOxc
— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) June 5, 2022
The governor said he has spoken to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, who is on his way to Owo, adding that he would 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,” he said.
“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 urged the people to remain calm and vigilant, as security operatives would be deployed to monitor and restore normalcy to Owo.
