Church attack: We’ll hunt down terrorists, says Akeredolu

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has vowed to hunt down the suspected terrorists, who attacked and killed many worshippers at St Francis Catholic Church, in Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State on Sunday.

Akeredolu, who described the attack as “a black Sunday in Owo”, said he has cut short his party’s national assignment in Abuja to visit Owo immediately.

The governor made this known via a statement issued and made available to The Star on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde.

Akeredolu said: “The vile and satanic attack is a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years.

“It is a black Sunday in Owo. Our hearts are heavy. Our peace and tranquility have been attacked by the enemies of the people. This is a personal loss, an attack on our dear state.

“I have spoken to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, who is presently on his way to Owo. Similarly, I have had to cut short my party’s national assignment in Abuja and visit Owo immediately.

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“This is an unexpected development. I am shocked to say the least. Nevertheless, we shall commit every available resource to hunt down these assailants and make them pay. We shall never bow to the machinations of heartless elements in our resolves to rid our state of criminals.

“I commiserate with my people in Owo, particularly families of those who lost their lives to this ugly and unfortunate attack. I extend my condolences to Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye as well as the Catholic Church.

“I urge our people to remain calm and vigilant. Do not take laws into your hands. I have spoken to the heads of the security agencies. I have equally been assured that security operatives would be deployed to monitor and restore normalcy to Owo kingdom,” the governor stated.

The Star