OWO TERROR ATTACK: TINUBU, OSINBAJO NGF VISIT GOV AKEREDOLU, DONATE 125 MILLION NAIRA TO ONDO CATHOLIC DIOCESE, VICTIMS
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The Vice president of Nigeria prof. Yemi Osinbajo, APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) governor Kayode Fayemi has paid a condolence visit to Ondo State to commiserate with the Governor, the state and the Catholic diocese of Ondo over the Sunday terror attack at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo
Osinbajo who was in Owo for an on-the-spot assessment and condolence visit on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari also visited the Palace of the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye III.
In his address, he promised residents of the community that the evil doers would be apprehended.
“The incident is a very sad one and such is condemned.
“I promise you that those who did this will not go unpunished,” he said.
He urged them to remain calm and peaceful while assuring their safety.
“Remain calm and peace. The government will ensure those involved in the act will be caught.” He said
Also speaking, the National Leader of APC Asiwaju Bola Tinubu promised to work with Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to bring succour to the victims of Owo massacre.
Speaking at the Palace of Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye who was in company of Akeredolu, Tinubu condemned the violent attack on innocent worshippers and describing it as evil that must be defeated, saying there is no place for such hatred and wanton taking of innocent lives in our country.
Before he visited the scene of the massacre for on-the-spot assessment, Tinubu pledged the sum of N50 million to the victims and another N25 million 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 the state governments to work together to strengthen security around the country.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Ekiti State Governor, Dr John Kayode Fayemi also visited Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, at the Government House, Alagbaka,Akure on Monday.
Governor Fayemi was accompanied by former Governor of Ogun State and serving Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
They were later led by Governor Akeredolu to the residence of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Bishop Jude Arogundade before moving to Owo to commiserate with the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye in his palace.
Governor Fayemi, also described the ugly attack as least expected, stated that Owo has been a very peaceful environment.
“It is a serious and unusual attack on the people who can’t go out and farm or workship God in peace. We are all shock.
“Just like the Governor said, these people shall not go unpunished. They will be hunted down and brought to book. But this can not save the lives that have been lost or save the wounded from discomfort.
“As leaders of the people, we will redouble our efforts. This is happening across the county and we are concerned. We know how troubled you will be. And we know that this is something that troubles our minds.
“For now, the government at the state and federal levels are working to bring the perpetrators to book. My colleagues in the Governors forum have asked me to donate N50 million to the Catholic Church to ameliorate the condition of the families of the victims. This is a crime against humanity.” Fayemi said.
The Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Bishop Jude Arogundade described the attack as evil.
He urged the Governors to ensure that those behind the killing and their sponsors are brought to book.
“I appreciate your coming and comment. How did we get here? Have we lost our mind and humanity? Even in war situation, nobody kills children and women. Nobody attacks the church.
“I am calling on you the leaders of the country, I think we need to talk and we need to be frank with each ourselves. This can not happen without the backing of some powerful people. Those behind this no matter how powerful they are, must be brought to book.
“How are we presenting ourselves as primitive. Ondo state doesn’t deserve this . Humanity doesn’t deserve this. This doesn’t present us well. People are laughing at us.” Bishop Arogundade said.
At the palace of Olowo of Owo, Fayemi commiserated with the people of Owo and the Olowo over the ugly incident.
“Our people are traumatized. The entire Governors asked me to deliver their condolences to you and the entire Owo. We are all still in shock.
“This is not an attack on owo or Ondo state. It is not attack on all of us. We must restore our pride. So that our people can feel safe again. We need to restore our country to sanity, to safety.” He said.
The Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye said the perpetrators of the ugly attack wanted to make a statement.
He said the federal government needs to be proactive, saying “Our forest here in owo, in Yoruba land have been invaded. Our farmers can’t go to farms again. Those in our forest illegally must be flushed out.”
Governor Akeredolu later led the visitors to the St Louis hospital in Owo, where some of the survivors are receiving medical attention.
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