Owo massacre: Gov Akeredolu declares seven days mourning

Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has declared a seven-day mourning in the State following the attack on Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo by gunmen.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Akeredolu’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, days after the gruesome attack in the governor’s hometown.

Punch Metro quoting the National Emergency Management Agency reported that at least 11 children and 22 adults were admitted at the emergency wards of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.

This publication also reported that Akeredolu, on Monday, ordered all public buildings, facilities, and official residences in the State to fly flags at half-mast for seven days.

The statement read, “We will not be deterred in responding appropriately to this dastardly act.

“In honour of the victims of this unfortunate attack, I hereby direct that all flags be flown at half-mast for seven days, starting from today, Monday, June 6, to Sunday, June 12, 2022.

“It is a collective loss to the people of our dear State.”

Meanwhile, in his first response to the attack, the governor vowed to commit every available resource to hunt down the killers of worshippers.

“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.

“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,” Akeredolu said.