Owo, Nigeria- Owo Constituency 1, representative, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, has said yesterday’s casualty at St Francis Catholic Church, could reach 100 after several gunmen attacked the church.
According to one witness, the gunmen attacked the church while the Priest was rounding off proceedings of the service.
“It’s a very sad incident. I saw thousands of angry youths. It was barbaric, never experienced in the history of Ondo State. We should be looking at a casualty figure of between 70 and 100. I saw more than 20 people dead, especially children. They were shooting and they also used dynamite. The Governor has really worked on security in the State, which is why we never believed something like this will happen in Ondo,” said Ogunmolasuyi.
Meanwhile, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State urged residents not to retaliate citing that law enforcers are after the perpetrators.
“What has happened here today is tragic. No better way to qualify it. It is the most tragic event. Horrific! What we have seen in America is child’s play to what has happened here. That it happened in a church, to say the least, is most condemnable. I feel terribly sad, and I can understand our people are in a sad mood. Nobody will see or hear what happened here that will feel safe, but let me tell you, we have a duty to protect you. Our security agencies lost about two men. It was not an expected attack. It was sudden. How they entered and escaped is still surprising. What has happened to meet us unexpectedly?
Don’t retaliate. We know what to do and you will hear it. The perpetrators will never escape. We are after them, and I can assure you we will get them. I am not boasting. We have all heads of security agencies here. They are listening to me, and I am urging them to take all necessary steps.
I want to express my condolences to those who have lost their dear ones to this unnecessary gruesome murder. This must not happen again. We must be very vigilant. I want to particularly send a word of condolence to the Bishop. Maintain your calm and let the security agencies take charge. They are taking this seriously. Please, don’t take laws into your hands,” said the Governor.
However, according to the Muslim Rights Concern, (MURIC), the attack on the church was carried out by Boko Haram and warned strongly that more churches and mosques may come under such a similar attack.
“This latest attack is indubitable evidence of the existence of Boko Haram in the South West after their penetration into Niger and Kogi States. Going by Boko Haram’s modus operandi, we warn that mosques and more churches may be the next targets because this was how they started in the North.
We strongly condemn this act of unprovoked aggression. It is inhuman, heinous, horrific and horrendous. We call for immediate arrest and prosecution of the attackers and ask for protection for all churches and mosques in the region,” read a statement from the MURIC.
