TheNewsGuru

Tag: Catholic Church

  • “Maybe we should get guns instead of this f*cking PVC”- singer, Ruger

    Following a recent attack on parishioners at a catholic church in Ondo State, Nigerian music star, Michael Adebayo Olayinka, popularly known as Ruger, has said “maybe we should get guns instead of this fucking PVC. To hell with this country,” he tweeted.

     

    While expressing his frustration over the attack, the singer took to his Twitter page on Sunday, June 5, 2022, and shared his solutions to the security challenges in the country.

     

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) recalls that On Sunday, June 5, 2022, not fewer than 40 worshippers at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Ondo State were murdered in cold blood.

     

    It was gathered that the worshippers were murdered by gunmen while others, however, some people said it was as a result of an explosion.

     

    The gunmen were said to have thrown an improvised explosive device into the building and then opened fire on worshippers who were dashing out for safety.

     

    According to witnesses, the terror group gained access to the church disguised as worshippers.

    The killing of over 50 people in the attack is a testament to the growing insecurity and unaddressed killings in Nigeria.

    Ruger

     

    Since the news broke, several Nigerian celebrities have reacted to the mass murder.

     

    Ruger, is a Nigerian Afrobeat singer and songwriter.

     

    He came into lime-light 2021 after he signed a record deal with D’Prince “Jonzing world record” with a publishing and distribution deal with Columbia Records, and Sony Music Entertainment, U.K division.

     

    On 4 March 2021, he released his debut EP Pandemic.

    “Bounce”, became a major hit song from Pandemic EP, and debuted at number 39 on the Top 50 chart. In the same year, it debuted at number 20, on the TurnTable End of the Year chart. On 19 November 2021, he released his second EP, titled The Second Wave, and was led by “Dior” from the EP, which peaked at number 32 on the Top 50 chart, and number 15 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart

  • Boko Haram is now operating in Southwest region – MURIC

    The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has revealed that Boko Haram is now operating in the South West.

    The group frowns at the barbaric attack on St. Francis Catholic Church Owo, that left many worshippers dead while some got injured.

    Muric believes that the barbaric attack on the St. Francis Catholic Church Owo, that left many worshippers dead, was carried out by Boko Haram and warned strongly that more Churches and mosques may come under such attack

    MURIC strongly condemned the terrorist’ attack, calling on the government to act decisively and arrest the attackers.

    The attackers killed dozens of worshippers during Sunday service and MURIC said they should be arrested immediately.

    MURIC’s statement was signed by its director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

    It said, “We strongly condemn this act of unprovoked aggression. It is inhuman, heinous, horrific and horrendous.

    “We call for immediate arrest and prosecution of the attackers.”

    The Muslim rights advocacy group called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usban Alkali Baba and the Ondo Police Command launch a manhunt for the attackers of the Catholic church.

    The group further appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to, without further delay, order the Nigerian Army to join in the search for these murderers.

    “This latest attack is indubitable evidence of the existence of Boko Haram in the South West after their penetration into Niger and Kogi States,” the group said.

    “Going by Boko Haram modus operandi, we warn that mosques and more churches may be the next targets because this was how they started in the North. We, therefore, ask for protection for all churches and mosques in the region,” it said.

    MURIC sympathised with families who have lost their loved ones in the attack and also prayed for the wounded who are receiving treatment in hospitals.

    The Muslim group noted that it stands in solidarity with Ondo state governor ,Rotimi Akeredolu in this hour of sorrow and grief

  • What Buhari, Osinbajo said about Owo terrorists attack

    President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the Sunday’s heinous killing of worshippers at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo Kingdom, in Ondo State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Buhari made the condemnation in a statement released by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

    “The President says only fiends from the nether region could have conceived and carried out such dastardly act, adding that eternal sorrow awaits them both on earth here, and ultimately in the hereafter.

    “President Buhari mourns the dead, condoles with their families, the Catholic Church, and the Government of Ondo State, charging emergency agencies to swing into action, and bring succor to the wounded.

    “No matter what, this country shall never give in to evil and wicked people, and darkness will never overcome light. Nigeria will eventually win,” the statement reads.

    Meanwhile, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has joined President Buhari in condemning the mass killing, describing it as atrocious.

    Osinbajo stated: “I join President Muhammadu Buhari to condemn in strongest terms, the atrocious killing of worshippers Sunday at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo Kingdom, in Ondo State.

    “This saddens inexplicably, and I mourn the dead from this very unfortunate event. Also, my thoughts and my prayers goes to the victims and their families, the Catholic Church, and the government of Ondo state.

    “We will not cower to the whims of elements who lurk in darkness to unleash inconceivable wickedness on our citizens. We will keep standing against evil and Nigeria will win.

    “As the President has charged, emergency agencies are to swing into action to bring succor to the wounded.

    “We stand in utter solidarity with the people of Owo and Ondo state in this terrible moment”.

  • Black Sunday in Owo: Catholic Diocese speaks on attack at St Francis

    The Catholic Diocese of Ondo has opened up on the terrorists attack that claimed lives and left many injured in St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Catholic Diocese as saying no priest was abducted by the terrorists who attacked the parish while service was going on contrary to earlier reports.

    However the church confirmed that the terrorists killed many worshippers and injured many others, stressing that the situation has left the community devastated.

    The diocese made this known in a statement released by its Director Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Augustine Ikwu, while adding that the identity of the terrorists were yet to be known.

    The statement reads: “It is Pentecost Sunday when every Catholic is expected to be in Church to commemorate the Solemnity. It is so sad to say that while the Holy Mass was going on, unknown Gunmen attacked St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State. Leaving many feared dead and many others injured and the Church violated.

    “The identity of the perpetrators remains unknown while the situation has left the community devastated.

    “However, for now, security agencies have been deployed to the community to relatively handle the situation. At this point in the history of our dear country Nigeria, we need God’s ultimate intervention to restore peace and tranquillity.

    “Meanwhile, all the Priests and Bishop in the parish are safe and non was kidnapped as the social media has it. Nonetheless, let us continue to pray for them and the good people of Owo and the state at large.

    “We turn to God to console the families of those whose lives were lost to this distressing incident, and we pray for the departed souls to rest in peace. Amen.

    “The Bishop appeals that we remain calm, be law abiding and pray for peace and normalcy to return to our community, state and country”.

  • OWO: Ondo gov describes Sunday’s attack at Catholic Church as a calculated assault

    Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has described Sunday’s attack at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, as a calculated assault on the people.

     

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, Akeredolu vowed to hunt down the masterminds of the assault, which left many people dead.

     

    The statement reads: “Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, is 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 tranquility have been attacked by the enemies of the people. This is a personal loss, an attack on our dear state.

    Ondo
    Governor Rotimi Akeredolu

     

    “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.”

  • Black Sunday in Owo: How we were attacked – Catholic priest

    The priest in charge of St Francis Catholic Church, Owo in Owo local government area of Ondo State has opened up on how the church was attacked on Sunday by suspected terrorists.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the suspected terrorists attacked St Francis Catholic church in Owo on Sunday, detonating dynamites before opening fire on worshippers.

    At the time of filing this report, no fewer than 50 corpses have been moved out of the church and dozens of others have been taken to the hospital for urgent medical attention.

    The Reverend Father in charge of the parish, Fr Andrew Abayomi said the church service was about to end when they started hearing dynamite explosions with accompanying gunshots.

    “I ordered church members not to leave, saying they should hide inside the church but as with human nature, given the circumstances, people were afraid for their lives.

    “The attack happened for up to twenty minutes and after we heard they had left, that was when we came out and started taking the dead and others injured to the hospital,” Abayomi managed to narrate to BBC News Pidgin.

    Ondo Gov, Akeredolu weeps over attack

    Meanwhile, the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has expressed deep sadness 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,” the Governor said in a statement released by Richard Olatunde, Chief Press Secretary to Akeredolu.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the statement further reads: “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”.

  • BREAKING: Ondo Gov, Akeredolu weeps over Owo terrorists attack

    Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has expressed deep sadness 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,” the Governor said in a statement released by Richard Olatunde, Chief Press Secretary to Akeredolu.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the statement further reads: “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”.

  • BREAKING: Black Sunday in Owo, Ondo State as terrorists attack Catholic church

    The town of Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State has been thrown into mourning after suspected terrorists attacked a Catholic church in the council headquarters.

    According to emerging reports, the suspected terrorists bombed the St Francis Catholic Church located in Owo before opening fire on worshippers.

    Many were reportedly killed and dozens of others hospitalised. Meanwhile, the authorities are yet to release official statement on the incident and the extent of havoc wreaked by the terrorists.

    However, according to eyewitnesses, no fewer than 50 corpses have been moved out of the church and dozens have been taken to the Federal Medical Center, Owo, requiring urgent medical attention.

    https://twitter.com/HotJozsef/status/1533416409056874496?t=Smjwl2qF-G3Z2DprAVYQeA&s=19

     

    Details shortly…

  • 2023: Suspended Catholic priest, Hyacinth Alia wins APC guber ticket

    2023: Suspended Catholic priest, Hyacinth Alia wins APC guber ticket

    Suspended Catholic priest, Hyacinth Alia has emerged as the gubernatorial flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Alia emerged as the candidate of the APC for Benue State after polling over 7,000 votes from delegates to clinch the party’s ticket.

    The suspended Catholic priest defeated his closet rivals, former Minister of Justice, Mike Aondoakaa and former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Barnabas Gemade.

    The APC in Benue opted for direct primary to pick its governorship candidate, which means members of the party in the state voted for their preferred choice.

    Alia was suspended by the church after his declaration. He was relieved of his priestly duties temporarily on the grounds of the canon laws of the Catholic church.

    TNG reports Alia had while reacting to his suspension by the Vatican through a letter signed by Most. Rev. William Avenya, the Bishop of Gboko Diocese in Benue, pledged to represent the Church well in his political and personal conduct.

    Alia, suspended to allow him to pursue his political career but will be welcomed back thereafter, owned up that the directive of the Church was in line with the rules, and regulations guiding the conduct of clergymen and laity.

    He pledged not to disappoint the Church, saying that his aim in going into politics was to bring positive change in governance and the lives of the Benue people.

    Alia described his suspension as a normal procedure to enable him to pursue his ambition.

    “I will gladly return to continue ministration after repositioning the leadership quagmire in the state.

    “I will be the arrowhead of positive political symbolism within the confines of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.

    Alia explained that there was nothing wrong with clergymen participating in active politics, as long as the aim was for the common good of the people.

    He said that Benue required purposeful leadership to address the myriads of problems bedevilling it.

    Alia listed some of the problems to include absence of good leadership, underdevelopment, poverty, insecurity, and gradual loss of confidence in government.

    According to him, it is necessary to also reposition the civil service, to function effectively as the engine room of government through which the challenges will be tackled.

    He recalled that Rev. Fr Moses Adasu, who was elected as Benue governor in 1992 when the state needed a new direction for its development, was also suspended, but was recalled after his tenure.

  • 2023: Catholic priest suspended for joining Benue guber race in APC reacts

    2023: Catholic priest suspended for joining Benue guber race in APC reacts

    Rev. Hyacinth Alia, a Catholic priest, and governorship aspirant on the platform of APC in Benue, on Sunday pledged to represent the Church well in his political and personal conduct.

    Alia was reacting to his suspension by the Vatican through a letter signed by Most. Rev. William Avenya, the Bishop of Gboko Diocese in Benue.

    The aspirant was suspended to allow him pursue his political career, but will be welcomed back after.

    Alia said that the directive of the Church was in line with the rules, and regulations guiding the conduct of clergymen and laity.

    He pledged not to disappoint the Church, saying that his aim of going into politics was to bring positive change in governance and the lives of Benue people.

    Alia described his suspension as a normal procedure to enable him to pursue his ambition.

    “I will gladly return to continue ministration after repositioning the leadership quagmire in the state.

    “I will be the arrow head of positive political symbolism within the confines of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.

    Alia explained that there was nothing wrong in clergymen participating in active politics, as long as the aim was for the common good of the people.

    He said that Benue required purposeful leadership to address the myriads of problems bedeviling it.

    The governorship aspirant listed some of the problems to include absence of good leadership, underdevelopment, poverty, insecurity, and gradual loss of confidence in government.

    According to Alia, it is necessary to also reposition the civil service, to function effectively as the engine room of government through which the challenges will be tackled.

    He recalled that Rev. Fr Moses Adasu, who was elected as Benue governor in 1992 when the state needed a new direction for its development, was also suspended, but was recalled after his tenure.