THE Ondo State government has opened an account to receive donations from individuals and corporate bodies interested in assisting the victims of the attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, last Sunday.
In a statement signed by Richard Olatunde, the chief press secretary to the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, the government appreciated earlier donations made by people to support the victims and the church.
READ ALSO:
Ondo church attack: Nigeria’s security architecture faulty or missing – Ooni
Ondo church attack: Minister directs NEMA to provide relief to victims
Ondo church killings: Akeredolu directs flying of flags at half-mast
Catholic Diocese reacts to attack on worshippers in Ondo
“Well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies willing to assist the victims of the terrorist attack may do so into the following account: Account name: ODSG – Owo Terrorist Attack Relief Fund. Account no -1401203148, Bank: Providus Bank.
“Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has assured that the state government, on its part, would remain unshaken in committing its resources to the security of lives and property. He noted that efforts would be deepened to ensure that the survivors of the attack at various hospitals were given the best medical care.”
A former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu, and presidential hopeful for the All Progressives Progress (APC), had donated N75 million to support the victims and the church when he visited the state on Monday.
Tinubu gave N50 million to the victims and N25 million to the church.
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum also donated N50 million as support through its chairman and Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was at the community to represent President Muhammadu Buhari, did not announce a financial donation.
The ICIR reports that there has been a conflicting number of casualties from the attack.
While the church said 38 died, the state government confirmed 22 deaths.
Meanwhile, Governor Akeredolu has directed all the 18 local government chairmen in the state to set up community security guards, otherwise known as vigilantes, in their respective council areas.
He gave the directive when he received the chairmen who paid him a condolence visit over the church’s attack.
The governor said the Ondo State security network agency, otherwise known as Amotekun Corp, would train the vigilantes to further boost security in the state.
Marcus bears the light, and he beams it everywhere. He's a good governance and decent society advocate. He's The ICIR Reporter of the Year 2022 and has been the organisation's News Editor since September 2022. Contact him via email @ [email protected].