THE Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has said that the South-West, and the state in particular, would not be conquered by the enemies of the people under any guise.
Akeredolu stressed that the dastardly act committed in Owo was targeted at the people in the region to create fear into them.
He vowed that he would not be silenced by the “cowardly acts” of the terrorists who killed children, women and unarmed worshipers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, last Sunday.
READ ALSO:
Anguish, horror, pain: Inside story of Owo Catholic Church shootings
Owo terror attack was a message to South-West, says Soyinka
Six persons killed in Ondo town three days after Owo massacre
ISWAP responsible for Owo church attack – FG
The governor spoke at a special interdenominational prayer service organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Owo chapter, held today at the premises of the church.
He also visited the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) and St. Louis Hospital, both in Owo, to check on the survivors of the attack on admission.
He was accompanied to the church service by members of the state executive council, led by his Chief of Staff, Gbenga Ale.
The prayer service was also attended by the Bishop of Owo Anglican Diocese, Stephen Fagbemi; the former General Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) worldwide, Daniel Oloye; and several other men of God who led prayers.
Akeredolu, who described the attack as painful, assured that efforts would be geared towards strengthening the security in the state, and across the South-West.
He equally encouraged all places of worship to install CCTV cameras and engage local security men to further provide security in their premises.
In his sermon, Fagbemi lauded Governor Akeredolu for providing leadership, saying since the sad incident happened, the governor’s continuous responses and actions had been “unique and commendable.”
He also lauded the governor for his efforts in providing security for the protection of the lives and property of the people of the state through the establishment of the Amotekun Corps.
The clergy expressed shock over the Owo attack, saying a church of God should be a place of safety.
He, however, urged Christians not to entertain any fear, saying God would continue to be with them and give them victory.
According to him, “despite the fact that some people had allowed themselves to be used by the devil”, Jesus was still alive and would continue to protect and be with his people.
Fagbemi prayed to God to expose the killers of the worshippers and their sponsors.
There were intercessory prayers for th victims of the attack, Owo town and the state at large.
You can reach out to me on Twitter via: vincent_ufuoma