In response to the recent Church massacre in Ondo State and in a show of solidarity to the victims, the Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has directed that flags should be flown at half-staff in all public buildings, facilities, and official residences for seven days.
This, he said, is in honour of the victims of the Owo terror attack on Sunday.
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Akeredolu’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde announced this on Monday in Akure.
”In honour of the victims of this unfortunate attack, I hereby direct that all flags be flown at half-staff for seven days, starting from Monday to June 12.
” It is a collective loss to the people of our dear state. The attack on innocent worshippers at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo is a deliberate and calculated assault on the people of the state.
”Those who unleashed this unprovoked terror attack on our people have tested our collective resolves.
”We will not be deterred in responding appropriately to this dastardly act,” he said.
Condemning the attack, Governor Akeredolu of Ondo State, who said he had to cut short his national assignment in Abuja, vowed to make the perpetrators pay.
Akeredolu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, said: “We shall never bow to the machinations of heartless elements in our resolve to rid our state of criminals.
“Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, is deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, worshiping at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-Iuwa Street, 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.
“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 currently 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 resolve to rid our state of criminals.
“I commiserate with my people in Owo, particularly families of 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.”
