Owo Terror Attack: Akeredoku Directs LG Chairmen To Float Vigilante

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has urged Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Councils in the state to set up community security guards otherwise known as Vigilantes in their respective Council Areas.

Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde in a statement on Wednesday, said that the Governor believes that it will enhance security at the grassroot level.

The Governor added that the Ondo State Securtiy Network Agency otherwise known as Amotekun Corps, would be of assistance in the training of the Vigilante for effective security of their respective domain.

Governor Akeredolu spoke while playing host to the Chairmen of Councils in the state who came on a condolence visit, over the last Sunday gunmen attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo.

He stressed the need for every Local Government to have its vigilante to complement the efforts of the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies in the state

“We have a challenge, so sit down among yourselves and work out how to have Local Government Vigilante in your area just like we now have Amotekun in the state.

“There is nothing stopping you from using all you can to secure your areas.”

Governor Akeredolu assured the people of the state that his administration would remain undeterred and unwavering in its resolve to fight for justice and equity.

The Governor described the Owo attack as a tragic incident beyond any sense of decency and a serious assault on humanity.

“You can’t fathom what this mindless terrorists did in that church. It’s not possible for you to imagine it until you are able to get there.

“To make matters worse if you have opportunity of visiting the hospital facilities where a couple of victims who are being treated, you cannot but weep.

“I can not still fathom the reason behind the attack. Are they antichrist? I don’t know why they went into the church to kill.

“Are they anti-Catholic? Are they anti-Owo that they choose to come to Owo ? One can not understand it.”

Earlier, The ALGON Chairman in the state, Mr. Augustine Oloruntogbe condoled the Governor and the people of the state, particularly the people of Owo and the victims on behalf of his colleagues.

He noted with satisfaction the performance of the Governor in all facets of governance particularly in the security sub-sector which had earned the state the peace it has enjoyed before the regrettable incident.

“You have been decisive about the issue of security, you don’t take the life of your people for a play, you are always serious about security of life and property of the people of Ondo State”

“We are here to affirm our believe in you and your government, on behalf of the people at the grassroot across the 18 Local Government of Ondo State.

“We are speaking on behalf of the Obas who are working with us at all the various Local Governments,  I can assure they are solidly behind you on the issue of security, you have done well Sir.”

Mr. Oloruntogbe assured the  people of the state and Governor Akeredolu that the council bosses will continue to ensure that efforts of the present administration towards ensuring adequate security of life and property at the grassroot level are sustained.