Buhari, Akeredolu, Catholic community mourn church massacre at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo Kingdom, in Ondo State.
Newsonline reports that following the Sunday attack at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo Kingdom, by unknown armed men leading to the killing of hundreds of worshipers who were present for one the Sunday morning masses, tension has risen among Owo residents.
The unknown armed men, heavily armed, witnesses said, invaded St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo Kingdom, in Ondo state, and opened gun fire at the peaceful worshipers leading to the deaths and serious gun injury of many persons inside the church.
Reacting to the gunmen attack, the governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu, described the unfortunate incident as a “black Sunday” for Ondo residents and Catholic community.
Assuring that the gunmen will be apprehended and be made to face the law, Akeredolu said, “such unjustifiable attack shall not be allowed to go unpunished.”
“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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President Muhammadu Buhari, who returned to the country on Saturday after 6th session of ECOWAS, extra-ordinary meeting of Authority of Heads of States and Governments, said darkness cannot overshadow the light of God.
In a statement by the president’s Special Adviser on Media, Femi Adesina, Buhari described the attack as act by men from darkness, which shall not overshadow God’s light.
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The president, Buhari, assured the entire Catholic community, that security agencies are already in chase of the gunmen, stating that they shall face the law.
President Buhari, said, “No matter what, this country shall never give in to evil and wicked people, and darkness will never overcome light. Nigeria will eventually win.”
The catholic community said the attack on worshipers who have not provoked anyone is a desecration of the house of God. The Catholic church, therefore called on the state and federal government to enure that the perpetrators are brought to book.
Ondo state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Odunlami Ibukun who confirmed the incident said the command can not confirm the actual number of victims at present, but shall make it known after investigation.
