‘We were locked in the church for over 20 mins’, priest speaks on Ondo attack
One of the priests at St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, has given account of what transpired at the affected church.
Rev Father Andrew Abayomi, has confirmed that there was an attack at the affected church by some gunmen.
The cleric has revealed to newsmen that some suspected bandits had invaded the church service, when it was almost coming to an end.
“We were about to round off service. I had even asked people to start leaving, that was how we started hearing gunshots from different angles.”
“We hid inside the church but some people had left when the attack happened. We locked ourselves in the church for 20 minutes. When we heard that they had left, we opened the church and rushed victims to the hospital.”
Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu has commented on the incident, which occurred in his hometown.
He said the attack was “vile and satanic”, describing it as a calculated victimization on the people of Owo Kingdom who were known for peace.
“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.” Akeredolu said.
