Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has described the attack on worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, which left scores dead, as barbaric and condemnable.
Also a former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar is devastated by reports of loss of scores of lives following the attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa, in Owo
The governor expressed condolences to the governor of Ondo State and chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum as well as the families of the victims.
A statement by the Special Assistant (Print Media), Moses Alao, indicated that governor, called on security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime to book.
He said: “My deepest condolences to my brother, His Excellency Rotimi Akeredolu, the people of Owo, families of the victims and Ondo State on the dastardly attack on worshippers at St Francis Catholic Church, Owo today.
“May the souls of the victims rest in peace.
“This unprovoked and barbaric attack is condemnable in its entirety. I urge the security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are found and brought to book.”
Atiku in a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe condemns in the strongest terms the attack and any such attack on a worship centre as unacceptable.
“Any attack on innocent citizens indeed of a gathering of worshippers in any place in Nigeria stands condemned; it is a red line,” Atiku said.
“My prayers are with the people of Owo, especially families of the deceased. I do hope that the state government and relevant security agencies will leave no stones unturned in apprehending the criminals.
“I condole with all the affected families; the St. Francis Catholic Church Owa-luwa; the body of Catholic faithful in Nigeria and the people and government of Ondo State.
“Even as I pray that some day, very soon, we shall have a lasting solution to these painful episodes, I urge the security agencies not to relent in their efforts to fish out the culprits and bring them to justice.”
Similarly, Labour party presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi in his reaction said “What happened in Owo today (on sunday )again adds to my position that our country is fast becoming a failed state. All must now join hands in saving our country from this existential situation we find ourselves in today.
I sympathise with the victims’ families, the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, the people and the Government of Ondo State. I urge the Federal Government and Ondo State Government to do whatever is possible to ensure that perpetrators of the dastardly act are brought to book. -PO
