Eternal sorrow await perpetrators, Buhari says, as Ondo Gov Akeredolu who declared the day a black Sunday, vows to hunt down assailants, Make Them Pay
Some gunmen on Sunday attacked worshippers at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-Luwa Street, Owo, in Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria, killing tens of worshippers in an attack that has been widely condemned by officials including President Muhammadu Buhari and governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
No official figure has been given for fatality recorded from the attack but the Lagos-based Vanguard newspaper reported that over 25 worshippers were massacred while an eye witness said over 53 people were killed.
Buhari who expressed shock and sadness over the heinous killing of worshippers, declared that eternal sorrow awaits those behind killing both here on earth and in the hereafter.
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The President’s expression of grief was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina.
President Buhari in the statement said “eternal sorrow awaits them both on earth here, and ultimately in the hereafter.”
He mourned the dead, condoled with their families, the Catholic Church, and the Government of Ondo State, charging emergency agencies to swing into action, and bring succour to the wounded.
The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, in a separate statement said he was deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo on Sunday.
“The vile and satanic attack is a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years,” the statement signed by Richard Olatunde, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State, read.
“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.
