UK Reacts To The Owo Church Attack In Ondo State

UK has reacted to the Owo church attack in Ondo State

CityNews Nigeria  had reported earlier that unknown gunmen stormed St Francis Catholic Church Owo in Ondo State, southwest Nigeria, bombed, and fired several shots at the congregation leading to many deaths and casualties.

This online news platform understands that an eyewitness, Kehinde Ogunkorode told newsmen that the incident caused pandemonium in the area as residents, who were taken by surprise, ran for safety.

CityNews Nigeria gathered that the explosion on the Catholic Church Owo grounds killed several people and injured many more.

Reacting to the Owo Church attack in a tweet on the micro-blogging site, Twitter, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, wrote: “Terrible news today from Owo in Ondo state. I condemn those responsible for this horrific crime. I extend my sympathies to all those affected.”

Terrible news today from Owo in Ondo state.

I condemn those responsible for this horrific crime.

I extend my sympathies to all those affected.

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— Catriona Laing (@CatrionaLaing1) June 5, 2022

Meanwhile, CityNews Nigeria reports that Owo, where the Catholic Church Owo attack occurred is the hometown of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. The explosion on Sunday, June 5, 2022, rocked St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, in the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Governor Akeredolu while condemning the attack described it as a personal loss and a calculated assault.

A statement by Akeredolu read, “I am deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, worshiping at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Today. The vile & 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.

“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.”

Watch the full video of the Owo church attack in Ondo State: HERE