GOVERNOR of Ondo State Rotimi Akeredolu has condemned the killing of worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo on Sunday.
He described the attack as vile and satanic via his Twitter handle.
“I am deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, worshiping at the St. Francis Catholic Church, today.
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“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.”
Describing the incident as a personal loss, he noted that resources at the disposal of the state would be channelled towards apprehending the culprits. He also urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking laws into their hands.
“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 resolve to rid our state of criminals,” Akeredolu added.
The governor commiserated with the people in Owo, particularly families of those who lost their lives in the attack.
“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,” he said.
Many people, including children, died during an attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, in Owo Local Government Area of the state.
The attack occurred on the church premises while mass was ongoing.
Ijeoma Opara is a journalist with The ICIR. Reach her via [email protected] or @ije_le on Twitter.