Ondo church attack: "We will hunt down the assailants and make them pay" - Governor Akeredolu

The Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has expressed sadness over the attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo. 

 

Gunmen suspected to be bandits stormed  the church during service on Sunday, June 5, killing about 50 worshippers. 

 The Governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, described the attack as "vile and "satanic"

 

Akeredolu, who is currently in Abuja for the APC Presidential primary, said he would return to Ondo immediately, adding that his administration would deploy every available resource to hunt down the assailants and make them pay. 

 

"Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, is deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, worshiping at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, on Sunday," the statement read.

"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 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.