Ondo State governor, Akeredolu reacts to Herdsmen Attack On Catholic Church in Owo, vow to go after the assailants

AbaCityBlog reported that there was tension in the town of Owo in Ondo State following an attack on St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, early hours of Sunday by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

An eyewitness said the gunmen invaded the Church when Sunday Mass was ongoing, open fire on worshippers and killed at least 28 worshippers, before detonating explosives already planted in the church and Kidnap a Reverend Father of the Parish.

The church, according to reports by the locals is near the palace of the traditional ruler of Owo and emergency officials were swiftly mobilised to the area.

Reacting over the attack, the governor, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, described the incident as a vile and satanic attack said he was saddened by the 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.