The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Saturday promised to secure justice for the victims of the 5 June 2022, terrorist attack in Owo.
No fewer than 41 worshipers of St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, were killed while many sustained serious injuries when some men suspected to be terrorists attacked the church during Sunday mass.
The suspected terrorists were arrested by the men of the Department of State Security, and they are currently facing trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Aiyedatiwa pledged on Saturday during the 15th Episcopal Anniversary and 35th Priestly Ordination Anniversary of the Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Jude Arogundade.
The governor also noted that the security of the lives and property of the people of the state was his top priority, calling for a fight against all acts of terrorism in Nigeria.
He said, ‘Security agencies, through joint federal and state efforts, have arrested suspects linked to the attack, including Idris Omeiza, Al-Quasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Abubakar.
‘We pray that the memories of the Owo victims be blessed forever. As we continue to seek justice for them, let us stand together against terror’s might and other forms of criminality. In unity and love, we will find the strength to heal the wounds, mend broken hearts, and ensure a safer Sunshine State’
He reiterated that his administration has continued to invest heavily in security infrastructure, disclosing that 75 Hilux vehicles, equipped with modern security gadgets, were recently procured to strengthen the operations of security agencies in the state. According to him, this is in addition to the monthly provision of logistics to security operatives.
‘The combined effect of this collaboration is the wide acknowledgement of Ondo State as one of the most secure and safest in Nigeria. While our people carry on their daily businesses with a sense of safety, it has also translated to massive investors coming to do business in Ondo State’, he said.
In his remarks, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade, expressed appreciation to the people and government for the return of missionary schools to the church. He assured that the institutions would remain committed to providing quality education anchored on sound moral values to groom future leaders.
Marking 35 years of priesthood and 15 years as a bishop, Bishop Arogundade also reflected on his pastoral journey, urging the newly ordained priests to remain steadfast in their devotion to God and service to humanity.
