Attackers Of Catholic Church Owo Yet To Be Arrested – Sources

By Ayodele Oni

The news making the round that the terrorists who carried out the massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo on Sunday have been arrested is unfounded.

The rumour filtered in just as the National Security Council, on Thursday, revealed that the Islamic State, West African Province masterminded the deadly attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State that left over 40 people dead on Sunday, June 5, 2022.

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, disclosed this to State House correspondents, shortly after the over three-hour council meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Council Chambers in Abuja.

Ondo state Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredoku has however advised the security council not to hurriedly jump into conclusion about those responsible for the attack.

Investigations revealed that residents in hundreds from nooks and crannies of Owo town besieged the palace of Olowo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, to confirm the news of the purported arrest of the suspects.

The news of the rumoured arrest filtered in,  residents who have been mourning the death of their loved ones to the heinous crime besieged the palace to catch a glimpse of bandits at the palace.

Addressing the crowd in Owo dialect, Oba Ogunoye pleaded with them to remain calm, saying he heard the same unconfirmed news just like the residents.

Police Public Relations, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami in her reaction simply said“Am not aware.”

A source within the Palace of Olowo however told our correspondent the information was only a rumour as there was nothing as such.

“it was only a rumour.The youths besieged the palace in their thousands when the rumour broke out, but it was discovered to be false alarm.

“Kabiyesi was only trying to hail their doggedness as he told them that, ‘I Heard the rumour  like you too and they should be patience to authenticate it.’

It was later discovered that it was only some Fulani/Hausa guys arrested along Owo/Benin boundary in possession of dangerous weapon.