TheNewsGuru

Tag: Ondo State

  • Owo church attack: We have capacity to defend ourselves – Ooni warns

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has condemned the gruesome massacre of worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa, Owo, Ondo State on Sunday, warning that Yoruba people have the capacity to defend themselves even though they are peace loving.

    This is contained in a statement by his Director of Media & Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, on Monday, in Ile-Ife.

    Ooni Ogunwusi who warned against plans by a group, bloodsucking enemies of God who had vowed to destabilise the Southwest region, decried the vulnerability of Nigerians, especially the poor who he said are often victims of violent attacks.

    “Killing many persons and injuring more others are described as a gruesome massacre, dastardly targeted at turning Yorubland to a war zone.

    “Yoruba people have the capacity to defend themselves even though they are peace loving.

    “We should all be reminded that 6th of June made it exactly one year, when an invading gang of killer herdsmen killed at least over 20 people in Igangan, Ibarapa North local government of Oyo State, on Saturday night.

    “They left several houses, the palace of the Asigangan and a popular petroleum station burnt in the attack when people were asleep. This happened exactly a year ago!” Ooni said.

    Oba Ogunwusi, who is the co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), explained that there have been reports that some criminals are currently working to invade and to wreck havoc in Yorubaland like the one that just happened in Owo.

    “When calamities like this befall us without a single trace, the interpretation is that the intelligence unit of our country’s security architecture is probably faulty or completely missing.

    “However, we the descendants of Oduduwa cannot be overrun in our own home as we are prepared and ready to defend ourselves against external invaders.

    “Rather than discouraging us, this will rather strengthen us especially in our resolve to deploy manpower, resources and technology towards the protection of lives and properties.

    “The six governors across the south west region and their brothers nationwide as well as the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, should live up to their oaths of securing Nigerians and ensuring safety for the citizenry,” the Ooni said.

    He, however commiserated with the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the entire Owo kingdom, Gov Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the people of Owo, the Priest and parishioners of St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa, Owo, families of all the victims, and the entire people of Ondo State over the tragic and senseless killings.

  • Owo church attack: IGP confirms St Francis was bombed

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Usman Baba has confirmed that St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State was bombed in the attack that happened on Sunday in which many worshippers were killed.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi quoted IGP Baba to have made the confirmation in a statement released on Monday in Abuja.

    According to the statement, Baba has ordered the deployment of specialised operatives to unravel the perpetrators of Sunday’s attack.

    He said the specialised operatives would be drawn from the Police Explosive Ordnance Devices-Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Explosives (EOD-CBRNE) and other tactical units from the Force Headquarters.

    Adejobi said the deployment is to ensure a comprehensive investigation and immediate interception of the perpetrators of the attack.

    He said the IGP had condemned the attack that led to the brutal murder of innocent Nigerians in their place of worship.

    The police spokesman said preliminary investigations had revealed that the gunmen invaded the church with arms and materials suspected to be explosives.

    According to him, police investigators who were part of the first responders deployed to the scene have recovered pellets of expended AK-47 ammunition.

    He said operatives from the EOD-CBRNE unit had confirmed the use of explosives as fragments of the IEDs used were found.

    Adejobi said three unexploded IEDs were recovered after thorough sweeping of the scene of the incident.

    The police spokesman said further investigations has revealed that some of the gunmen disguised as members of the congregation.

    He said others who positioned themselves around the church premises from different directions, fired into the church during the attack.

    According to him, the assailants fled the scene using a Nissan Sunny car, with Reg No. AKR 895 AG, which was snatched from the owner and escaped through Owo/Ute road.

    He said the vehicle has been recovered, adding that the owner of the vehicle is currently assisting the Police in their investigations.

    Adejobi said the IGP had condoled with the Ondo State Government, family members, relatives and friends of the victims who lost their lives in the attack.

    He pledged that the heartless killers of the harmless victims, particularly innocent children, would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

  • Owo attack: Pius condemns attack, says it’s an assault on humanity

    Former president of the senate, Anyim Pius Anyim has condemned the attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State by unknown gunmen, stating that the attack is an assault on humanity.

    Anyim gave the condemnation in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr Sam Nwaobasi, on Monday in Abuja.

    He said the killing of the worshippers at Sunday service was despicable, and callous, as well as an assault on humanity and desecration of the Church of God.

    The former PDP presidential aspirant wondered why the evil men could enter the sacred House of God to kill innocent and defenceless worshippers,  who had gone to commune with their Creator.

    Anyim further described it as despicable, barbaric, callous, evil and an assault on humanity.

    “I call on the Ondo state government and all the security agencies to go after these criminals, fish them out and make them face the law for the mindless murder of innocent citizens,” Anyim said.

    The former secretary to the government of the federation prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed while condoling with relations of the deceased.

  • Owo attack: Osinbajo suspends political activities, visit victims of attack

    Owo attack: Osinbajo suspends political activities, visit victims of attack

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Monday, has suspended his political activities, for a condolence visit to Owo, Ondo state, to condole with victims of the catholic church attack.

    Recall that Thenewsguru.com reported that terrorists attacked St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo state, living several people dead and others injured.

    In a tweet by Laolu Akande, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Osinbjo. Osinbajo is expected to communicate President Buhari’s message to the people of Ondo state.

    In his tweet “The VP heads out to Owo, (Ondo State this morning) where worshippers were heinously attacked yesterday resulting in many casualties.

    “He will deliver the President’s condolences and message in person.”

  • 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

  • Owo attack :ASCSN condoles with bereaved families, condemns attack

    The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has condemned in totality the killings of some worshippers by some gunmen in the early hours of June 5, 2022, in Ondo State.

    ASCSN’s President, Mr Tommy Okon, in a statement on Sunday, also, expressed condolence to the bereaved families and the government of the state.

    Newsmen reports that suspected bandits had on June 5, 2022, opened fire on worshipers at the St Francis Catholic Church in Owo council area of Ondo State.

    “My beloved Comrades, with a heavy heart, and solemn moment, I bring you fraternal greetings and heartfelt condolences from the leadership of the ASCSN to the government and good people of Ondo state.

    “In particular, the people of Owo for the gruesome murder of innocence and armless worshippers of the Christian faith today.

    “We condemn in totality this bastard act by the terrorists who are bent on destabilising and destroying Nigeria.

    “This indeed is very painful and sorrowful, especially at this point of our quest for a better Nigeria where lives and properties of the citizenry should be protected by the government, “ he said.

    The labour leaders, however, urged governments at all levels to brace up, and ensure that the lives and properties of the citizenry were protected in line with the provisions of the the1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    Okon said: “We pray for the souls of the departed worshippers to have eternal rest!”.

  • 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 Attack: Ondo Police command deploy anti-bomb squad

    In a statement issued by the Ondo state police command spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami, the commissioner of police, Mr Oyeyemi Oyediran, disclose that he has deployed officers of the Explosive Ordinance Device Unit ( anti-bomb squad) to the scene of an explosion in Owo Local Government Area of the state.

    The statement was issued on Sunday in Akure.

    Newsmen reports that there was an explosion on Sunday at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street,  Owo.

    Newsmen also gathered that many people were killed and injured as a result of an explosion which occurred at the church premises.

    The CP said efforts were being intensified to arrest those who perpetrated the evil.

    “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.

  • 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”.