Residents of Owo town have revealed that over 85 Christians were killed in an explosion launched by terrorists, which rocked St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The bomb attack in Owo, the town of the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) marked the maiden bomb terrorist attack of such magnitude in the South West Region of Nigeria.
The worshippers who escaped the bomb blast in the church were shot dead by the terrorists.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami confirmed the incident, saying investigation was ongoing.
In a swift reaction, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has said he is deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, worshipping at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, on Sunday.
In a statement signed by his Media Aide, Richard Olatunde, Akeredolu described the vile and satanic attack as a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom, who have enjoyed relative peace over the years.
“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.
“This is an unexpected development. I am shocked, to say the least. Nevertheless, We shall commit every available resource to hunt down these assailants and make them pay. We shall never bow to the machinations of heartless elements in our resolves to rid our state of criminals.
“I commiserate with my people in Owo, particularly families of the those who lost their lives to this ugly and unfortunate attack. I extend my condolences to Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye as well as the Catholic Church.
“I urge our people to remain calm and vigilant. Do not take laws into your hands. I have spoken to the heads of the security agencies. I have equally been assured that security operatives would be deployed to monitor and restore normalcy to Owo kingdom.”
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