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Tag: Owo

  • Police confirm abduction of health workers in Ondo

    Police confirm abduction of health workers in Ondo

    The Police in Ondo State has confirmed the abduction of a staff of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo in Owo Local Government Area of the state.

    Mr Adebowale Lawal, State Commissioner of Police, who confirmed the incident to newsmen on Friday in Akure, said police personnel had begun combing the forests to apprehended the kidnappers and rescue the victim unhurt.

    According to Lawal, the police is in a joint effort with other sister security agencies to ensure the victim’s rescue while the perpetrators of the dastardly act are brought to book.

    “Our men are currently inside the bush in collaboration with other sister security agencies and engaging the community to rescue the victim unhurt.

    “Let me assure you that we are not resting to ensure the citizens of the state are well secured,” he said.

    Earlier, it was gathered that the staff, a medical worker simply known as Pastor Akesinro, was kidnapped at his residence located at Upenme on Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    It was also gathered that Akesinro was abducted around 7:00 p.m last night (Aug.28) inside his house.

  • Owo church attack suspects remanded in DSS custody

    Owo church attack suspects remanded in DSS custody

    The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, ordered the remand of five suspected terrorists who attacked St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo in Ondo State on June 5, 2022, in Department of State Services (DSS) facility.

    Justice Emeka Nwite, a vacation judge, gave the order after the five suspects were arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against them by the Federal Government.

    The suspects include Idris Omeiza, 25 years; Al Qasim Idris, 20 years; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26 years; Abdulhaleem Idris, 25 years and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, 47 years.

    They are 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the terror attack, which occured on June 5, 2022, at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo in Ondo State left over 40 worshippers dead while over 100 others sustained injuries.

    NAN had earlier reported that the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) is prosecuting the case on FG’s behalf.

    The nine-count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025, was dated and filed on July 23 by M.B. Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecutions in the Federal Ministry of Justice.

    When the matter was called, Calistus Eze, who appeared for the FG, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the arraignment of the defendants.

    Eze, however, said that since the charge was filed during the vacation, a summon ex-parte had been filed alongside.

    He prayed the court for a leave to move the application and it was granted.

    Moving the application, Eze said the summon ex-parte was dated and filed on July 28 and prayed the court for an order allowing the charge to be taken within the vacation period.

    Justice Nwite granted the relief in a short ruling.

    “In view of this my lord, we apply that the charge be ready to the defendants,” Eze said.

    And after the counts were read to the defendants, they all pleaded not guilty.

    The prosecuting lawyer then sought a trial date and urged the court to remand them in DSS custody.

    “In view of the not guilty plea made by the defendants, we apply for a date to present our witnesses for trial and apply that they be remanded in the custody of the DSS,” he said.

    Responding, counsel to the defendants, Abdullahi Muhammad, did not oppose Eze’s application.

    Muhammad, however, urged the court to make an order allowing the defendants access to their relatives and lawyers.

    According to him, the defendants have been in custody since 2022 and we have not had access to them.

    But Eze said as a matter of practice and procedure, defendants are allowed access to their lawyers and relatives if a letter is written, stating the date and time.

    The lawyer added that since the trial had also commenced, the defendants would be afforded with the time and facility needed to defend themselves.

    The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until Aug. 19 for commencement of trial and ordered them to be remanded at the DSS custody.

    The suspects and others, who are at large, were alleged to have sometime in 2021, joined and became members of AL Shabab Terrorist Group.

    They were accused of operating their cell in Kogi State contrary to and punishable under Section 25(1) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    In count two, they were alleged to have on May 30, 2022; June 3, 2022 and June 4, 2022, at Government Secondary School, Ogamirana, Adavi LGA in Kogi and behind Omialafa Central Mosque, Ose LGA, Ondo State, respectively, attended and held meetings, where they agreed to and planned for the terrorist attack, which they carried out on June 5, 2022, at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.

    The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 12(a) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    The defendants were alleged to have, on June 5, with intent to cause death, did detonate Improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which led to the death of over 40 persons, including: Ajanaku John; Onuoha Deborah; Onileke Esther and John Bosede.

    They were also alleged to have, on June 5 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo with intent to further their religious ideology and while armed with IEDs and AK 47 rifles, did attack worshippers, held them hostage and in the process, caused grievous bodily harm to over 100 persons, including Onileke Ayodele, John Blessing, Nselu Esther and Ogungbade Peter.

    The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 42 (a)(ii) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, among other counts.

  • Owo alleged cult attack: Police arraign 8 suspects

    Owo alleged cult attack: Police arraign 8 suspects

    Two sisters and six men were on Tuesday brought before an Akure  Magistrates’ Court over alleged cult killings in Owo town.

    The defendants are Ogunseyila  Oladimeji, 28, Olabode Ojo, 30; Adeola Bero, 30; Olayemi Ayodele, 20; Ijalade Femi, Ijarotimi Taye, 42, and two sisters, Bisi Gbenga, 25 and Esther Gbenga.

    The police arraigned the defendants on a five-count charge of conspiracy, cultism, murder, illegal possession of firearms and illegal possession of a vehicle.

    The police prosecutor, Insp Nelson Akintimehin, told the court that the defendants and others at large committed the offences between Jan. 6 and Jan. 8, at Owo town.

    He alleged that the defendants were members of Alora and Ave secret cults.

    The prosecutor said that the defendants used gun and other offensive weapons to carry out the offences.

    Akintimehin stated that the alleged offences contravened Sections 516, 319 and 430 of the Criminal Law of Ondo State, 2006.

    It also contravene Sections 1(1) and (2) of the Secret Cults and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

    The court did not take the plea of the six defendants for lack of jurisdiction.

    The prosecutor, through a written application, urged the court to remand the defendants at the Olokuta Correctional Centre, pending the advice of the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions(DPP).

    The defence team led by Mr Daniel Onu, in their separate responses, prayed for an adjournment to enable each defendant file a counter-affidavit to the application sought by the prosecutor.

    In view of their offence, the Magistrate, Mr Sunday Adedapo, granted the seventh and eighth defendants bail in the sum of N500,000 each with one surety each in like sum.

    Adedapo ordered that the remaining six defendants should remain in police custody till the next hearing.

    He adjourned the case until Jan. 27 for  reply to the affidavit and ruling.

  • Owo deadly cult clash: 19 suspected masterminds arrested

    Owo deadly cult clash: 19 suspected masterminds arrested

    Mr Wilfred Afolabi, Commissioner of Police (CP) in Ondo State, says no fewer than 19 suspects have been arrested in connection to the Owo cult clash which occurred on Monday.

    Afolabi, the newly-deployed CP, disclosed this on Tuesday in Akure while speaking with newsmen during his resumption as the 45th Ondo CP.

    Recall that four people were killed on Monday during a cult clash in Owo, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday declared a dawn to dusk curfew over the violent cult clash and security disturbance in the area.

    “Those arrested will be made to face the full wrath of the law. We are in Owo this morning to monitor the level of compliance with the curfew imposed on the town by the state government.

    “So far so good, normalcy has returned to the town and there is calm and peace across the town. So far, we have 19 suspects in our custody and we have only four people confirmed dead in our records.

    Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing and the investigation will reveal the cause of the clash ,” he said.

    Afolabi assured the people of Ondo State, and Owo in particular, on the command’s continuous protection of lives and properties.

    “And for the lovers of peace, we can assure them that there will be conducive environment for them. But for those who hate peace, they will not find it easy because wherever they go, we will follow them and the laws of the land will catch up with them,” he said.

  • Tinubu in Owo to condole Akeredolu’s family

    Tinubu in Owo to condole Akeredolu’s family

    President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday arrived in Owo, Ondo State, on a condolence visit to the family of the late former Governor of the state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Tinubu also paid a condolence visit to the traditional ruler of the town, Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III.

    The president, who arrived at the Akure Airport at about 11:35a.m, was received by Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    Tinubu later arrived Owo town around 12:30 p.m. onboard a chopper accompanied by Aiyedatiwa and was received by the State Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami among other top politicians.

    The president will also visit the residence of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the Afenifere leader in Akure after leaving Owo.

    Akeredolu, 67, died on Dec 26, 2023 in Germany after protracted illness and buried on Feb. 23 in Owo

  • Worshippers recall ugly incident as Owo Catholic Church reopens

    Worshippers recall ugly incident as Owo Catholic Church reopens

    St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo in Ondo State on Sunday reopened for service ten months after the deadly attack on the church by gunmen.

    Recall that over 40 worshippers died in the June 5, 2022 attack by gunmen.

    Worshippers who defied fears to attend Easter Sunday service, expressed pleasure for the reopening of the church.

    Addressing the congregants, Bishop Jude Arogundade, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, lamented the growing level of insecurity in the country.

    Arogundade appealed to the government to ensure that the attackers were brought to book to serve as deterrent to others.

    The bishop prayed for the congregants, especially the injured and those that lost their relatives, promising that the church would not abandon them.

    Some worshippers who were unable to control their emotions were seen weeping, while recalling the ugly incident.

    Arogundade appreciated the Aids to the Church in Need, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu and other donors for extending their help to the church.

    He asked the church members to keep praying for those still suffering and in trauma as a result of the attack, stating that the church would continue to comfort those in pain.

    He, however, solicited for more assistance from the Federal Government and the well-to-do in the society for the victims and the church.

    “We are still waiting for the Federal Government. These are your citizens; let them know they belong to you. I have criticised you enough but if you do well, I will praise you.

    “Some who have psychological issues are still many; but we believe that with our support and prayers they will return,” he said.
    Speaking on the reopening of the church, Mrs Jumoke Oyekorode, who lost her mother in the attack, said that the vacuum left by her mother was yet to be filled.

    Oyekorode added that it was a good thing for her mother to have died in the church, and thanked God for the reopening of the church.

    Also, Mrs Margaret Ata, a survivor of the attack said that she was happy to be back in the church, though as an amputee.

    Ata, who lost her an eye and two legs as a result of injuries sustained in the attack, stated that two of her children were on scholarship.

  • PHOTOS: Owo Catholic Church reopens 10 months after deadly attack

    PHOTOS: Owo Catholic Church reopens 10 months after deadly attack

    St Francis Catholic Church in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, shut down in 2022, following a deadly attack, reopened on Sunday, 10 months after, as Christians across the globe mark 2023 Easter celebrations.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls no fewer than 40 worshippers were massacred at the St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo by gunmen in an incident that jolted Nigeria and the global community.

    A Twitter user, Damilola Olufemi, shared photos of worshippers reconvened at the Catholic Church to mark the Easter celebrations.

    “10 months after the #OwoMassacre, St Francis Cathedral Church, Owo, Ondo State reopened for service. At exactly this time on June 5, 2022, the ancient town was in distress after gunmen attacked the church, killed many people and left others injured. An unforgettable memory,” Olufemi wrote.

    TNG reports the Federal Government had revealed that the imprint of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) was found at the scene of the June 5 attack, which left 127 worshippers injured.

    Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, who described the attack as an unspeakable evil, vowed that perpetrators of the dastardly would be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law.

    However, while arrests were said to have been made, nothing has been heard about the prosecution of the perpetrators to date.

     

  • JUST IN: Gov Akeredolu suspends Governing Council Chairman of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic

    JUST IN: Gov Akeredolu suspends Governing Council Chairman of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic

    Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has suspended the Chairman of the Governing Council of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Mr. Banji Alabi.

    The suspension followed the report of the Visitation Panel that Alabi refused to honour its invitation on several occasions.

    The Governor announced the suspension while receiving the report of the 7-member Visitation Panel to the Polytechnic.

    According to the Governor, “the Chairman stands suspended until I hear from him.”

    Submitting the Panel report on Thursday at the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka Akure, the Chairman, Professor Olabode Kolade Koriko, appreciated Governor Akeredolu for finding it necessary to constitute the Panel.

    Prof. Koriko applauded Governor Akeredolu for releasing about N1.6bn bailout to the Polytechnic, adding that the commitment of the Governor to reposition the Polytechnic and restore its lost glory is commendable.

    The Chairman revealed that the Panel in the course of its assignment, held meetings and had interactions with relevant stakeholders from the Polytechnic and the host community at different locations in Owo before arriving at its recommendations.

    “Rufus Giwa Polytechnic until recently remains a model of institution in the South-West over the year, however, poor management of human and material resources appears to have eroded the gains of the past and turned the once famous citadel of learning that has produced very successful men and women in the society to a shadow of its self.

    “Your decision to set up the Visitation Panel at this auspicious moment could therefore not have come at a better time and is no doubt altruistic. It is expected that at the end, your desire to emplace probity and accountability in the management of this great citadel of learning would be realized.

    “The assignment which spanned a period of 3 months, commenced with the inauguration of the Visitation Panel by your good self on 21st September, 2022.

    “The Panel in the course of the exercise met at different locations in Owo and Akure during the three months duration of its assignment, critically perused all the items listed in the 7-point Terms of Reference , met with the relevant stakeholders, collected Memoranda from Staff, students and the Community, executed an extensive verification of staff and accounts of the Polytechnic, reviewed the laws of the Polytechnic, critically analyzed the content of the submitted Memoranda, other materials and oral evidence available to it to arrive at its recommendations.

    “The Panel also had extensive interaction and meetings with Principal Officers of the Polytechnic, union bodies, Chiefs of the host community, and of course the petitioners who were often invited to the Panel sitting for interrogation while a comprehensive inspection of facilities of the Polytechnic (including buildings, vehicles, ventures etc) diligently executed”, the chairman stressed.

    Receiving the report, Governor Akeredolu appreciated all members of the Panel for their labour, with a promise to look into the report.

    Governor Akeredolu, who expressed worry over what he called downward slide being observed in the Polytechnic, said the report would guide government on what to do.

    “Coincidentally, I am from Owo, I was inundated with several complaints here and there. A number of them I am not able to solve. I asked questions and got answers that probably were not correct, I can’t understand.

    “I got information that several people have been recruited and when I ask, they will say no. Then why is your wages going up? Why can’t you pay?

    “We have intervened on one or two occasions and we gave money with specific instruction to pay salaries. At the end of the day you cannot still complete salary payment. I’m sure your report will contain this.

    “Management, yes, there might be some problems with human and material resources but as I always say when they come and meet me, I know from verifiable facts that the Rector has attracted enormous funding to that place either through TETFUND or others, because of his connection. You can’t take that away from him”, Akeredolu explained.

    The Governor also declared that it has become more desirable now to turn the Polytechnic to university, noting that there is no going back.

    He stressed that the Polytechnic has all it takes in terms of facilities to become a university.

  • Kogi Govt accuses Uduaghan’s wife of links with Owo church massacre suspect

    Kogi Govt accuses Uduaghan’s wife of links with Owo church massacre suspect

    The Kogi State Government has called for the arrest of Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged links with one Safiu claimed to be one of the terror suspects behind the attack on Owo Catholic Church.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mrs Uduaghan, a lawyer, is the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 2023 elections.

    The Kogi State Government also disclosed that Safiu has been linked to the dastardly attack on the Kuje Correctional Center as well as military formations within and outside the State.

    The State Government in a statement released by its Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo in Lokoja, alleged that Uduaghan had exhibited enough actions to put the country at risk.

    The statement reads in part: “It is worrisome for the PDP that Natasha represents to come out openly to identify with Safiu, a terror suspect that is linked to the bloody attack on a church in Owo that led to the death of scores of worshippers.

    “It was a thing of relief to the people of Kogi Central that security agencies were able to apprehend their Chief Tormentor. Criminality doesn’t know political party. A criminal is a criminal and should be treated as such.

    “The fact that they (PDP) claimed Safiu was their party member is an admission of strong links to him and his nefarious and deadly activities. As an administration, we are witnessing a surge in criminality in Kogi Central.

    “Available data shows that Kogi Central today accounts for 51.2% of the total crime rate in Kogi State. With the billions of naira we have invested in strengthening our security architecture that has guaranteed peace in the state, we will not accept a revert into the days of bloodbath.

    “We call on security agencies to arrest defenders of terrorists and ask them their levels of involvement. No matter how smart they think they are, they cannot beat our robust security architecture.

    “Do they have a contract with some terrorist groups to distabilize the state? Are they afraid that Safiu and other arrested terrorists will expose their dirty and bloody deals? What do they know about some terror cells in Kogi Central? They need to provide answers.”

    PDP alleges plot to plant guns, others at its candidates’ homes, campaign offices

    Meanwhile, the PDP in Kogi State has raised the alarm over an alleged conspiracy by the state government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to cause harm to the lives, reputations and ambitions of its candidates ahead of the 2023 elections.

    In a letter to the police, army and State Security Service, the party said its candidates have faced an undue and unprecedented level of persecution, intimidation and attacks against their persons as well as their close political associates.

    The party added that it had uncovered plans to plant guns, ammunition and other incriminating weapons at the home of Mrs Uduaghan.

  • Owo traditional ruler tasks indigenes on social security

    Owo traditional ruler tasks indigenes on social security

    The Olowo of Owo in Ondo State, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, has enjoined town of the town to assist the needy in order to ensure social security in the society.

    Ogunoye made the appeal at the inauguration of Magbuligbe Foundation, an NGO, providing humanitarian services to Owo indigenes.

    He lauded the initiative, describing it as “awesome”.

    The Olowo, represented by his Administrative Secretary, Chief Adekunle Aladeseye, said that the foundation would bring all Owo indigenes together, irrespective of their locations.

    Ogunoye said that the foundation would promote the culture of Owo.

    According to him, the foundation will usher in an era of wellbeing for the generality of the people of Owo.

    Ogunoye urged all indigenes of the town to think outside the box for loftier and developmental programmes for the betterment of Owo.

    He asked the would-be-beneficiaries of the foundation to make judicious use of the donation and empowerment items given to them.

    On the objectives of the foundation, Mr Oluwadare Akintoye, Founder and President of Magbuligbe Foundation, said the foundation would complement government’s efforts in providing for the less-privileged and youths in the society.

    “The aim of this foundation is to assist the less-privileged, widows and youths in moving the society forward.

    “This is to complement the government’s efforts since government cannot do it alone.

    “There are lots of benefits in the foundation. As youths, we will assist you in getting jobs,” he said.

    According to Akintoye, the foundation already had chapters in 17 states in the country, including Abuja.

    He urged all Owo indigenes to join it in their respective locations in helping the needy among them.

    In his remarks, Mr Adewale Ogunmola, the Ondo State Coordinator of the foundation, said that the foundation would assist its beneficiaries based on recommendations.

    Ogunmola said, “We render help to the old and to people that cannot meet their needs. We have a team that will be monitoring them and ensure that our purpose is achieved.”

    He said that the foundation would influence the well-to-do Owo indigenes to establish industries in the community

    Newsmen reports that there was donation of food items and cash to widows and the less-privileged.

    Two of the beneficiaries, Mrs Veronica Ogundare and Mrs Margaret Ademiluka, thanked the foundation for its impacts on the elderly.

    They said that the foundation’s objective, if consistent, would address lack and poverty among Owo indigenes.