Owo Church: Atiku, Fayemi express dismay over attacks

Former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and the Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, have expressed dismay at the attack and the reported loss of scores of lives at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa, in Owo, Ondo State.

In a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, the PDP Presidential Flagbearer, condemned the attack and said any such attack on a worship centre was unacceptable.

I condemn the attack on the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, in Owo council area of Ondo State capital. My prayers are with the people of Owo, especially families of the deceased.

— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) June 5, 2022

I do hope that the state government and relevant security agencies will leave no stone unturned in apprehending the criminals and bringing them to justice. I condole with the body of Catholic faithful in Nigeria.

— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) June 5, 2022

“Any attack on innocent citizens or a gathering of worshippers in Nigeria stands condemned. It is a red line.

“My prayers are with the people of Owo, especially families of the deceased. I hope that the state government and relevant security agencies will leave no stones unturned in apprehending the criminals.

“I sympathize 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 someday, 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,” Atiku said.

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti described the killing of the worshippers as barbaric in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode.

According to him, there can be no justification for the heinous behaviour of the assailants.
The governor also commiserated with Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and the people of Ondo State on the incident.

He urged security agencies in the state to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime were apprehended and made to face the wrath of the law.

Mr. Fayemi also tasked them with remaining vigilant.

“The perpetrators of this dastardly act should not go unpunished. We call on relevant security agencies in the state to spring into action and ensure that they are brought to book.

“Our condolences to the government and good people of Ondo state, and families that lost their loved ones in the carnage,” he said.

However, in solidarity with the sister state, the governor directed the Ekiti Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Banji Filani, to immediately send human and medical resources to Ondo state.

Suzan O.