Exclusive Reporters

The Federal Government has declared Monday, 13th June, 2022, as public holiday, to mark this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Nigerians on this occasion and urged all citizens to support the present administration in its efforts at ensuring a secured, united and prosperous nation.

Aregbesola admonished Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on the long journey the country has made towards the enthronement of a civil democratic order, before national Independence in 1960 till date and the sacrifices of our patriots.

He reminded Nigerians of the challenges faced and overcomed, including a civil war, and said any form of agitation that threatens the unity of the country should be shunned for the good of all, saying the space known as Nigeria would be a haven of peace, unity and progress if all citizens love their neighbours and embrace the spirit of brotherliness.

The Statement says and I quote “As we mark another Democracy Day in the history of our dear country, let us reflect on the efforts of our founding fathers and ensure that Nigeria remains one united, secured, peaceful and an indivisible entity, noting that no development can take place in an acrimonious environment,” End of quote.

He advised Nigerians to judiciously put into use the recently unveiled Nigeria Internal Security and Public Safety Alert System (N-Alert) Mobile App designed to mitigate security challenges and other disasters.

The Minister wishes all Nigerians a happy Democracy Day Celebration.

The United States of America (USA) has condoled the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, over the last Sunday terror attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa street, Owo.

40 persons out of the 127 involved in the attack were killed, leaving 61 survivors currently on admission in different hospitals and 26 already discharged.

In a letter to Governor Akeredolu, dated 7th June, 2022 and signed by the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, the USA extended its heartfelt condolences to the people of Ondo State, and the Owo community.

The USA condemned the attack in strongest terms, while expressing its concern over the growing pattern of violence that afflicts communities across Nigeria.

The letter reads:”On behalf of the United States and the staff of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to you, Ondo State, and the Owo community for the horrific event and lives lost at the St. Francis Catholic Church on Sunday, June 5.

“This tragedy saddens us deeply and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families during this difficult time.

“The United States condemns this attack in the strongest terms, and we are concerned with the growing pattern of violence that afflicts communities across Nigeria.

“We remain steadfast in our efforts to support Nigeria in enhancing civilian security throughout the country.

Once again, please accept our deepest condolences.”

Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
June 9, 2022.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has urged Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Councils in the state to set up  community security guards otherwise known as Vigilantes in their respective Council Areas, noting that it will enhance security at the grassroot level.

The Governor added that the Ondo State Securtiy Network Agency otherwise known as Amotekun Corp  would assist in the training of the Vigilante for effective security of their respective domain.

Governor Akeredolu spoke while playing host to the Chairmen of Councils in the state who came on a condolence visit to the Governor’s office , Alagbaka, Akure over the last Sunday gunmen attack on St Francis  Catholic Church in Owo.

The stressed the need for every Local Government to have its vigilante to complement the efforts of the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies in the state

“We have a challenge, so sit down among yourselves and work out how to have Local Government Vigilante in your area just like we now have Amotekun in the state

“There is nothing stopping you from using all you can to secure your areas”.

Governor Akeredolu assured the people of the state that his administration would remain undeterred and unwavering in its resolve to fight for justice and equity.

Arakunrin Akeredolu described the Owo attack as a tragic incident beyond any sense of decency and a serious assault on humanity.

“You can’t fathom what this mindless terrorists did in that church. It’s not possible for you to imagine it until you are able to get there ! To make matters worse if you have opportunity of visiting the hospital facilities where a couple of victims who are being treated, you cannot but weep”

“I can not still fathom the reason behind the attack. Are they antichrist? I don’t know why they went into the church to kill . Are they anti-Catholic? Are they anti-Owo that they choose to come to Owo ? One can not understand it” Governor Akeredolu wondered.

Earlier, The ALGON Chairman in the state Mr. Augustine Oloruntogbe condoled the Governor and the people of the state, particularly the people of Owo and the victims on behalf of his colleagues.

He noted with satisfaction the performance of the Governor in all facets of governance particularly in the security sub-sector which had earned the state the peace it has enjoyed before the regrettable incident.

“You have been decisive about the issue of security, you don’t take the life of your people for a play, you are always serious about security of life and property of the people of Ondo State”

“We are here to affirm our believe in you and your government, on behalf of the people at the grassroot across the 18 Local Government of Ondo State, we are speaking on behalf of the Obas who are working with us at all the various Local Governments,  I can assure they are solidly behind you on the issue of security, you have done well sir”.

Mr. Oloruntogbe assured the good people of the state and Governor Akeredolu that the council bosses will continue to ensure that all the efforts of the present administration towards ensuring adequate security of life and property at the grassroot level are sustained.

Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Of Ondo State.
June 8, 2022.

BEING A BROADCAST TO THE PEOPLE OF ONDO STATE BY THE GOVERNOR OF ONDO STATE ARAKUNRIN OLUWAROTIMI ODUNAYO AKEREDOLU, SAN IN RESPECT OF THE TERRORIST ATTACK AT THE ST. FRANCIS’ CATHOLIC CHURCH, OWALUWA STREET, OWO WHICH OCCURRED ON SUNDAY 5TH JUNE, 2022

My good people of Ondo State.

It is pertinent for me to address you this afternoon following the dastardly incident of Sunday, 5th June, 2022 at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa Street, Owo. The day marked an indisputably sad one in our dear Sunshine State when murderous elements and bloodthirsty terrorists unleashed an unforgettable scar on all of us.

Undoubtedly, this unprovoked attack and killing of innocent worshippers is an attack on our collective psyche in Ondo State. This is a highly reprehensible national tragedy.

This vile and satanic attack is a calculated
assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom and indeed, the good people of Ondo State, who have enjoyed relative peace over the years. It was a black Sunday. Our hearts are heavy. Our peace and tranquility have been attacked by the enemies of the people. This is a personal loss to me.

As you will all recall, I was out of the State on Party assignment in respect of the ongoing National Convention of the All Progressives Congress, APC. I had to cut short my stay in Abuja to have a personal first hand assessment of the situation.

On arrival, I received preliminary briefings from the heads of the various security agencies which formed the basis of movement to the scene of the devilish act in Owo. The site, that is, St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo presents a gory war-like scene. The Federal Medical Centre, Owo, the St. Louis Hospital, Owo, the General Hospital, Owo as well as some private hospitals in Owo were filled with the injured, most of who were in critical conditions. The most unfortunate part is the lives of innocent children cut down in their prime and some severely injured by the mindless attackers. The total number of people involved was 80. As at now, 56 are on admission, two discharged, while the death toll is 22. Efforts have been deepened to prevent further casualties.

At Owo, the anger was palpable. The tension was at an abrasive level just as the urge for reprisals was high. Without doubt too, the ripple impact of this heinous act as well as the understandably angry reaction across the State could not have been different.

To me, this is an attempt to test the will of the people of the State and indeed, the Southwest. It, unequivocally, has the brazenly possible consequence of invitation to national anarchy because Yorubaland, and Owo in particular, have never been conquered before; and it will never happen.

I promise you that we shall commit every available resource to hunt down these assailants and make them pay dearly. We shall never bow to the machinations of heartless elements in our resolve to rid our State of criminals.

I, therefore, urge our people to be calm but remain vigilant. Do not take the law into your own hands. Leave the rest for government to shoulder. I have spoken to the heads of the security agencies. I can assure you that security operatives have been deployed to monitor and restore normalcy to Owo kingdom.

In honour of those who lost their lives to this unfortunate attack, I have already directed that all flags be flown at half-mast for seven days. This started yesterday, Monday, 6th and will end on Sunday, 12th June, 2022 because it is a collective loss to the people of our dear State.

I commiserate with my people in Owo, particularly the families of those who lost their lives to this wicked attack. I extend my condolences to Kabiyesi, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III as well as to the Lord Bishop of the Catholic Church, Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade.

May I use this medium to express gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who aside his demonstrated concern, directed his Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON to visit the scene of this criminal act. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum led by its chairman, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, their Excellencies, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Honourable Minister of Interior and Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State also deserve a special mention for their collective and individual show of love and empathy. We will remain eternally grateful to His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his donation of a whopping amount of N50 million to the victims and N25 million to the Catholic Church, Owo. The gesture of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum which donated N50 million to the victims is equally appreciated. The donations are to assuage the effects of the attack. In the meantime, I have directed that an account be opened to receive further donations from well meaning individuals and corporate bodies who may wish to assist the victims of the terrorist attack.

I am particularly enthralled by the wonderful show of solidarity from my brothers across party divides, especially in the State. It is heartwarming that we all have found a common ground to confront these monsters. In this regard, I thank the former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and the entire PDP family. To all others too numerous to mention, your show of love, encouragement and goodwill are not taken for granted. You have displayed compassion and demonstrated an appreciable level of brotherliness.

In the same vein, I commend the medical teams of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, the St. Louis Hospital, Owo, the General Hospital, Owo and some private hospitals who showed love and participated in stabilising the victims in the various hospitals. We equally appreciate the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and BEDC for their assistance. I convey our gratitude to volunteers who assisted in evacuating the victims and the dead to the hospitals and mortuaries respectively. I also thank our people who had deemed it fit to voluntarily donate blood towards the treatment of the victims. They have lived up to expectation within the precinct of the available space and time.
I thank you all.
God bless Ondo State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.