…Vows justice for victims, unveils new security measures
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has hailed the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS) over the prosecution of suspects linked to the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack at St Francis Catholic Church, Owo.
This was contained in a statement on Saturday signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Saturday.
The statement reads partly:
“The combined effect of this collaboration is the wide acknowledgement of Ondo State as one of the most secured and safest in Nigeria. While our people carry on their daily businesses with a sense of safety, it has also translated to massive investors coming to do business in Ondo State.
“We pray that the memories of the Owo victims be blessed forever. As we continue to seek justice for them, let us stand together against terror’s might and other forms of criminalities. In unity and love, we will find the strength to heal the wounds, mend broken hearts, and ensure a safer Sunshine State.
“The suspects arrested in connection with the Owo attack, including Idris Omeiza, Al-Quasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Abubakar, are already being prosecuted by the Department of State Security.
“Our administration has continued to invest heavily in security infrastructure, and 75 Hilux vehicles, equipped with modern security gadgets, were recently procured to strengthen operations of security agencies in the state, in addition to the monthly provision of logistics support.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa made the remarks in Akure at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, where he was Special Guest of Honour at the 15th Episcopal Anniversary and 35th Priestly Ordination Anniversary of the Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Most Rev Jude Ayodeji Arogundade.
He described the Bishop as a beacon of hope and an embodiment of peace, justice and human dignity, noting that his pastoral leadership had touched countless lives in the state and beyond. The Governor also praised the Catholic Church for its enduring contributions to education, healthcare, and social development.
The Governor recalled with pain how about 40 worshippers were killed during the Owo massacre when terrorists armed with Improvised Explosive Devices and rifles invaded the church. He noted that dozens of survivors still carry the scars of the attack.
Bishop Arogundade, in his remarks, thanked the state government and the people for returning missionary schools to the church, pledging that the institutions would continue to provide quality education anchored on moral values. He also urged newly ordained priests to remain steadfast in their service to God and humanity.
Marking 35 years of priesthood and 15 years as Bishop, Arogundade expressed gratitude for the Governor’s presence, assuring that the Catholic Church would continue to support the state through prayers.
The Governor later joined dignitaries at the unveiling of the new multipurpose hall of the church, after which he toured the facilities in the company of priests and guests.
