The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Mr Oyeyemi Oyediran, has confirmed the deployment of officers of the Explosive Ordinance Device Unit (anti-bomb squad) to the scene of the attack in Owo Local Government Area of the state.
This is contained in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami, on Sunday in Akure.
‘The command is aware of the attack at Owo, we will give you the full details of the incident later.
‘We want to implore the people of the state to be calm as all security apparatus are currently active to ensure peace in the area,’ Oyediran said.
The CP said efforts were being intensified to arrest those who perpetrated the evil.
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Earlier, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State assured residents of the state that the government would hunt down assailants that attacked and killed worshippers of St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo on Sunday.
This is contained in a statement by Mr Richard Olatunde, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, on Sunday in Akure.
‘We are deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, worshipping at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa 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 tranquillity 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,’ he stated.
According to the governor, this is an unexpected development.
‘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,” he said.
The governor condoled with the people of Owo, especially the families of victims of the attack.
‘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,‘ he stated.
Akeredolu went further to encourage the people to be calm and sensitive, asking them not to engage in any activity that could complicate the crisis.
