Owo Catholic Church Attack: Akeredolu Orders Flags To Fly At Half Mast; Reactions Pour In

By Ayodele Oni

Reactions continue to trail Sunday invasion of a Catholic church in Owo, Ondo state by suspected terrorists.

St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, was, in an unprecedented incident,  attacked by Terrorists during the Holy Mass on Sunday, May 5, 2022.

With the death toll put at almost 50, Royal fathers, Religious leaders, Christian and muslim groups and Political leaders, continue to express outrage, describing it as callous.

Already, Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who has been on ground since Sunday when he hurriedly left the convention venue of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) in Abuja, 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.

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.

“We should all be reminded that yesterday made it exactly one year when an invading gang of killer herdsmen killed at least over 20 people in Igangan, Ibarapa North local government of Oyo State on a Saturday night.

In his reaction, Ooni of Ife, Oba  noted that “What occurred yesterday was a gruesome massacre dastardly targeted at turning Yorubaland to a war zone.

“However, we the descendants of Oduduwa although peace loving, cannot be overrun in our own homes, do not be mistaken, we have the capacity and are prepared and ready to defend ourselves against all external invaders.

“We should all be reminded that yesterday made it exactly one year when an invading gang of killer herdsmen killed at least over 20 people in Igangan, Ibarapa North local government of Oyo State on a Saturday night, leaving several houses, the palace of the Asiganga burnt in the attack, whilst people were asleep.

“When calamities like this befall us without a single trace, the interpretation is that the intelligence unit of our country’s security architecture is probably faulty or completely missing.

“I implore the six governors across the south west region and their brothers nationwide as well as the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, to live up to their oaths of securing Nigerians and ensuring safety for all citizens irrespective of their age, sex, religion or tribe.

“Rather than discouraging us, this will rather strengthen us especially in our resolve to deploy manpower, resources and technology towards the protection of lives and properties.

“I’m consulting with Traditional rulers across the south-west alongside the governors across the southwest to come up with concrete plans to safe guard our people.

“We have deep obligations to them in the face of inadequate state security challenges that are threatening the fabric of our existence.

“To my brother the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, and the entire Owo kingdom, to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to the Ondo State Government, to the people of Owo, to the Priest and parishioners of St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa, Owo, to the families of all the victims, and the entire people of Ondo State, it is my prayer that Olodumare will comfort you all and give you peace in these trying time.”

Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas and the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, described the unprovocative attack as barbaric and highly traumatizing which had left the ancient city of Owo in unquantifiable pains and agony.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adeyeye Michael, Oba Aladetoyinbo said that the massacre of innocent and law abiding worshippers including women and children was the height of crime against God and humanity.

“It is so sad that there is no sanctity and respect for human lives by these assailants who killed innocent souls who have gathered to worship God and also pray for our dear nation.

“This is sad for us in Ondo State and the hearts of all the traditional Rulers and good people of the sunshine state is heavy over this ugly incident and our heartfelt condolence and prayers is with the family of those who lost their loved ones in this barbaric attack.”

The Deji urges the security agencies to go after theses attackers and bring them to justice for sins against humanity.

Traditional Rulers in Ondo State will continue to support the Government in ensuring that the state is rid of all criminal elements.