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Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, will at 7pm today, address the good people of the state through a statewide broadcast on the Sunday June 5, 2022 terror attack at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo.
The broadcast will be aired via the state owned Media group; Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC), Orange 94.5 Fm, and Alalaye 96.5 FM.
All television, radio and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the state owned media group.
Signed: Richard Olatunde Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State. June 7, 2022.
•Flush Out Illegal Occupants In Our Forests – Olowo
•Be Calm, Perpetrators Will Not Go Unpunished- Gov Akeredolu
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, on Monday received Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo in Owo.
The Vice President was in Ondo State to commiserate with the Governor and the people of the state as well as the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye.
Speaking at the palace of Olowo, Vice President Osinbajo described the terror attack as a terrible tragedy that must not happen again in Nigeria.
Professor Osinbajo noted that the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration remained committed to putting an end to the various security challenges in the country.
The Vice President, who also visited the scene of the terror attack at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, said the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
“The terrorists who came here yesterday were not human being but animals. The incident was very terrible and it should never be allowed to happen again. There’s no human being that will enter into the church and see what happened, that will not cry.
” I understand how you feel about the lives lost in the attack. Many have lost families, loved ones, and it is a loss to the country at large.” He said.
The Vice President noted that when there are security challenges, the people must come together to fight for the peace of the country.
“Our country can be better, our country can improve, things can get better. It is possible. Devolution of power to State, that the state will have more control in terms of security, these are good things.” He added.
The Vice President commiserated with the Governor, Ondo State Government, and Owo indigenes.
Responding, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye said it was an attack on Nigeria and not Ondo state alone.
He appealed to the federal government to review the security architecture of the country and flush out illegal occupants in the various forest reserves in the state.
Governor Akeredolu said the incident was first of its kind in the peaceful ancient town of Owo.
He urged everyone to remain calm, as all necessary actions will be taken to get the perpetrators.
Richard Olatunde Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State. June 6, 2022.
President Muhammadu Buhari, Monday afternoon cleared all doubts about where he stands on the choice of a presidential candidate for the governing All Progressives Congress, APC, declaring before the party’s 14 governors of northern states that he has “no preferred candidate,” and has “anointed no one,” and is determined to ensure that “there shall be no imposition of any candidate on the party.”
Speaking at a meeting with the Governors at the State House, Abuja, President Buhari said the party is important and its members must be respected, and made to feel they are important.
The President said he had a clear mind about what he was doing and asked the APC governors to feel the same way: “You were elected as I was. Have a clear mind as I have. God gave us the chance; we have no reason to complain. We must be ready to take pain as we take the joy. Allow the delegates to decide. The Party must participate, nobody will appoint anybody.”
Earlier in their addresses, the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Governor Simon Bako Lalong and Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of the Progressive Governors Forum, said they had come to affirm the position of the Northern Governors that the party’s candidate in the presidential election shall come from the southern part of the country.
They apologised to the President for the leakage of their signed memorandum which was not in support of any particular candidate and gave assurances to the President on their readiness to accept his leadership on the matter.
•Donates N75 Million For Victims’ Families, Catholic Church
National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Presidential hopeful, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has visited Owo, in Owo local area of Ondo State over the Sunday terror attack at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street.
Asiwaju Tinubu, who was received by Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, was accompanied by former speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; Former Lagos Deputy Governor, Hon. Femi Pedro; former head of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Nuhu Ribadu; Chief Pius Akinyelure and other eminent Nigerians.
Welcoming Asiwaju Tinubu to Owo, Governor Akeredolu said a heinous crime of such level has never been experienced in the Southwest before.
Describing yesterday as a black Sunday in Owo, the Governor noted that the pains of the terror attack are unbearable.
“Yesterday was a black Sunday. A heinous crime of this level has never been experienced in the Southwest. A group of people, terrorists, came into a very serene area. Into a city, and commit this horrific crime. It’s heart wrecking. This is unbearable and challenging to us. Like I said , we are determined to go after these criminals.” Governor Akeredolu stressed.
Asiwaju Tinubu said the perpetrators of the evil act meant more damage than Governor Akeredolu described.
He assured that he will support the government to do everything possible to apprehend the perpetrators of the horrendous attack.
“God in His infinite mercy saved some people. Some people died as a result of this evil act. We pray that they will not die in vain.
“We as promoter and support of this government, we will do everything to apprehend those who perpetrated this crime.
“Kabiyesi, May God Almighty give peace to you and the people of owo and the families of those who are directly affected. It is very hard to take.” Tinubu said.
Asiwaju Tinubu donated 50million naira for the families of the victims of the terror attack and another 25million naira for the Catholic Church.
The Presidential hopeful emphasised that the security situation in the country has to be enchanced to apprehend those involved in the dastardly act.
“Whatever we can do as politicians and as government supporter, we will do. We pray that Almighty God will continue to spare your live.s. Government will not relent.
The Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye called on the Federal Government to flush out all illegal occupants of the state forests, across the Southwest.
He thanked the former Lagos state Governor for coming to commiserate with Owo despite his busy schedules.
Richard Olatunde Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State. June 6, 2022.
Owo Muslim Community donates N500,000.00 for the medical bill of those injured
Chairman, League of Imams and Alfas in Ondo State, Sheik Ahmad Aladesawe, has visited St Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa street, Owo where unknown gunmen attacked church members during an early morning mass on Sunday.
Sheikh Aladesawe who is also the Chief Imam of Owo and the Secretary General of the League in the Southwest states including Edo and Delta States was accompanied by members of the Council of Imams in Owo and the Imam of the Ondo State Government House mosque, Akure, Sheikh Yinuwa Anola.
The Chief Imam who commiserated with the members of the church prayed for the souls of those killed in the attack and quick recovery of those who injured.
The Islamic cleric announced a donation of N500,000.00 by the Owo Muslim Community for the medical bill of those injured.
Sheik Aladesawe proceeded to the the residence of the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Owo Branch, but later went the Saint Louis Hospital, Owo, where he met the CAN chairman and also prayed for those injured and admitted at the Hospital.
The train later moved to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo and later visited the Olowo, Oba (Dr) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III.
Sheikh Aladesawe while commentating with the Olowo said tje the whole Muslim community in Owo I with him.
Oba Ogunoye while commending the Muslims charged them not to relent in their prayers for peace in Owo and for the perpetrators of the dastard act to be apprehended.
In condolence visit to Owo, Tinubu donates N75million to support victims, says government must strengthen security
All Progressives Congress National Leader and frontline presidential aspirant, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on Monday promised to work with Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to bring succour to the victims of the Owo Massacre.
Speaking at the Palace of Olowo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye during a condolence visit in the company of Arakunrin Akeredolu, Tinubu condemned the violent attack on innocent worshippers and described the attack as an evil that must be defeated saying there is no place for such hatred and wanton taking of innocent lives in our country.
Gunmen invaded St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo on Sunday leading to the death of over 30 people who were mostly children and women.
Before he visited the church for the spot assessment, Asiwaju Tinubu pledged the sum of N50million to the victims and another N25million to the Owo Catholic Church.
Expressing his sadness over the tragic incident, Tinubu noted that the South West had never witnessed such an attack of such magnitude saying it was horrendous.
The APC presidential aspirant called on Federal and state governments to work together to strengthen the security around the country.
Governor Akeredolu who appreciated Tinubu for pausing his presidential campaign activities less than 24 hours before the APC convention promised to either bring the assailants down to the state for justice or take justice to them.
On the trip to Owo with Tinubu were former Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, Chairman of TETFUND, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, former APC National Vice Chairman, Southwest, Chief Pius Akinyelure, former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crime Commission, Nuhu Ribadu and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Otunba Femi Pedro.
Words fail me in expressing my very deep sadness at the news of the gruesome murder of innocent worshipers at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo.
The PDP Governorship candidate in the last gubernatorial election in Ondo State Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, remarked in a statement issued in Akure.
According to him, the incident which punctuated the peace of the ancient town and violated the sanctity of the place of worship from all intents and purposes seeks to debase our humanity, judging by the reckless wastage of fellow humans by the terrorists.
While condoling with the families of those affected by this callous and extremely wicked act of these terrorists, this is a collective challenge to our humanity and our existence in Ondo State.
These terrorists must not be allowed to profit from this senseless wastage of human lives under any guise. He canvassed the need for all and sundry to assist the security agencies and the Government with information that will lead to the arrest and apprehension of those involved in this dastardly act.
The legal icon affirmed that the time has come for our people to be prepared to defend themselves pointing their attention to the fact that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.
The management of Akiavic Blueroof Hotel, Ondo has called on the general public to disregard the rumour of criminal attack on its organisation.
In a release made available to newsmen the Management said : “The attention of Akiavic Blueroof Hotel Ondo had been drawn to the rumour being circulated on social media platforms that the Hotel is the next target of Criminals who attacked St. Francis Catholic Church Owo.
The management said the rumour is untrue and urged the public to disregard the satanic rumour in all forms.
According to the release, “It is the handiwork of the mischief maker who wants to capitalise on our collective pains on unwarranted killings at Owo local government area in Ondo state, in order to scare away our esteemed customers that enjoy the world class services, comforts and hospitality from our hotel.”
“The security operatives are on the trail of the originator of the fake news to disclose source of their information
God Almighty will vindicate the just and save all of us ,we assure you all of maximum security as usual”.
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has directed all public buildings, facilities and official residences to fly the Nigerian flag at half -mast for seven days in honour of the victims of the Owo terror attack on Sunday.
Governor Akeredolu said the attack on innocent worshipers at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street,Owo was a deliberate and calculated assault on the people of the state.
The Governor said:”Those who unleashed this unprovoked terror attack on our people have tested our collective resolves. We will not be deterred in responding appropriately to this dastardly act.
“In honour of the victims of this unfortunate attack, i hereby direct that all flags be flown at half-mast for seven days, starting from today, Monday, June 6, to Sunday, June 12, 2022. It is a collective loss to the people of our dear state.”
Signed: Richard Olatunde Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State. June 6, 2022.
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has described the terror attack on innocent worshipers at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo, as a massacre and horrific.
Governor Akeredolu, who said he was terribly sad, noted that the attack was the most dastardly act that could happen in any society.
Aside the scene of the attack, Governor Akeredolu also visited the hospitals where survivors of the unprovoked attack are receiving medical attention.
He was also at the palace of the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, to condole with the monarch over the sad incident.
Arakunrin Akeredolu was joined by members of the state executive council led by the Secretary to the state government, Princess Oladunni Odu.
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Bishop Jude Arogundade, also visited the scene with the Governor.
Governor Akeredolu said: ”What has happened here today is tragic. No better way to qualify it. It is the most tragic event! Horrific! What we have seen in America is a child play to what has happened here.
“That it happened in a church, to say the least, is most condemnable. I feel terribly sad, and I can understand our people are in sad mood. Nobody will see or hear what happened here that will feel safe.
“But let me tell you, we have a duty to protect you. Our security agencies lost about two men. It was not an expected attack. It was sudden. How they entered and escaped is still surprising. What has happened met us unexpectedly.
“On this matter, don’t retaliate. We know what to do and you will hear it. The perpetrators will never escape. We are after them. And I can assure you we will get them. I am not boasting.
“I want to express my condolences to those who have lost their dear ones to this unnecessary gruesome murder. This is a great massacre. Our people in Ondo state we will not let down their guard. This will not happen again. We have all heads of security agencies here. They are listening to me, and I am urging them to take all necessary steps.
“This must not happen again. We must be very vigilant. I want to particularly send a word of condolence to the Bishop. What they damaged here is much. Dynamite was used. We can see pools of blood everywhere.
“I have come to appeal to you to maintain your calm and let the security agencies take charge. They are taking this seriously. Please, don’t take laws into your hands.”
At the palace of Olowo of Owo, Governor Akeredolu said the gunmen made a mistake of attacking Owo, vowing that they will not escape justice.
“What happened shocked me. It shocked everyone. It was like a deliberate target on Owo. But they made a mistake, because we are bold. We don’t run away from battles. We will fight them. No matter what it takes.
“Please, appeal to our people not to take laws into their hands. The government will not sit back without ensuring that those who did this pay for it,” the Governor said.
The Olowo commended Governor Akeredolu for showing leadership, adding that it takes genuine leadership for the Governor to have flown into the state from Abuja barely three hours after the incident happened.
“I called you less than three hours ago from Abuja and you are here already. That’s leadership. It’s quite unfortunate that this kind of incident would happen in Owo. There must be a motive behind this. It behoves on our security agencies to investigate this deep down so that those behind it will face the full wrath of the law.
“No one brings battle into Owo. We shall give it what it takes. I believe the federal government should be much more concern. Those behind this want to cause discord in the country. The whole nation is challenged. On our part, whatever is expected of us, we will do. I have spoken to our youths to remain calm,” the Olowo said.
At the hospitals, Governor Akeredolu commended the doctors and health workers for the prompt attention given to the survivors of the terror attack.
Richard Olatunde Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State. June 5, 2022.
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