Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has expressed grief over the murder of worshipers during a mass at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa, Owo, Ondo State, on Sunday, by gunmen.
The Governor equally commiserated with the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu and the people of the State, over what he described as a “sad and disheartening incident”.
Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, said that the Owo Church attack where innocent souls were cut short, came to him as a rude shock, especially at a period when efforts were being made to enhance the security architecture in the South-West.
According to the Governor, the killing of defenceless adherents in the church showed that the assailants were not only barbaric, but satanic.
He added that a killing of such a scale was planned and executed to plant fears in the hearts of the people and paint a picture of anarchy, particularly, as the nation is preparing for the general election next year.
Abiodun, who expressed his condolences to those who lost their loved ones in the attack, said that the government and people of Ogun state are with the government and people of Ondo in this time of their grief.
The Governor, however, called on the security agencies to ensure the perpetrators of the heinous crime are apprehended.
Abiodun also urged his Ondo State counterpart not to be swayed and discouraged by the latest incident, but continue to be vocal against and stand against insecurity.
“Our hearts go out to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the church attack, the government and the good people of Ondo State.
“The news of the unfortunate incident came to me as a rude shock! One wonders who enters into a place of worship and unleashes terror on the worshipers. This incident has indeed shown that the insecurity in the country is becoming worse, and it needs to be curtailed as a matter of urgency.
“As a government, we stand with the Ondo State government and the people in this moment of grief. Though, the attack is devastating, I would like to urge Governor Akeredolu not to be fazed by this latest incident, rather, he should continue to be vocal and maintain his stance against insecurity.
“We sincerely pray that the departed souls rest in the bosom of the Lord, while their families be given the fortitude to bear this painful loss.
“I hereby join my brother governor to call on the security agencies to go after these evil doers, with the view of bringing them to justice,” Abiodun was quoted to have said in the statement.
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