- Attack Unimaginable – Gov Akeredolu
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, received his Oyo State counterpart, Engr. Seyi Makinde and the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in Owo yesterday.
The duo were in Owo to commiserate with Governor Akeredolu, the people of the state and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye over the terror attack that occurred last Sunday.
They described the church attack where innocent worshippers were killed and several others injured, as cowardly, barbaric and condemnable.
While charging the security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators and make them pay dearly for the unprovoked attack, they said it is worrisome that the attack occurred in a region that has a measure of peace and tranquility.
Ogbeni Aregbesola visited the Olowo of Owo and later moved to the scene of the attack at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo where he was joined by Governor Makinde. The duo then visited the Federal Medical Center, Owo, where the injured worshippers were receiving medical attention.
While commiserating the Olowo of Owo, the Governor of the state, the bereaved families and the entire state, Aregbesola particularly called on the Omo Olowos, equivalent civil society organizations in neighbouring communities, Yoruba traditional institutions and royal fathers to work with the law enforcement agencies in fishing out those behind the dastardly acts and bring them to justice.
He specifically told Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye to use traditional means in fishing out the perpetrators of the Owo Church attack and as well prevent future occurrence.
The Minister added that while the motive of the perpetrators is yet to be established, there is no doubt that their cowardly act is intended to cause chaos and instill fear in the people, foment trouble and provoke bloody inter and intra ethnic crises.
Earlier while receiving Aregbesola in his Palace, Oba Ogunoye, who expressed shock over the sad incident, appreciated the Minister for the visit. The Olowo said it is time the federal government did something urgent to address the problem of insecurity in the state to prevent future occurrence.
He also stressed the need for state police and True Federalism, saying if not for the establishment of Amotekun Corps the situation would have been worse in the state.
Governor Akeredolu said the incident is indescribable and most unbelievable, stressing that it was uncommon and has never happened in the South-West region.
He described the perpetrators as animals, saying no human being can carry out such a barbaric act.
“They have lost it. You don’t go into a place of worship and have only one intention, to wipe out the worshippers. It is unimaginable. If we were at war we wouldn’t lose such number in a day. But these cowards attacked children, women, and the poeple who were not armed.
“If you go to a sacred place, in some climes, if you go to a church you are left alone. A church is supposed to be a place where you can run to, these poeple killed many children and many are in the hospital. So, in all frankness we are facing challenges as a people and I believe as a country”, Governor Akeredolu said.
