Owo attack: Blood of innocent worshippers ensured assailants’ arrest, says Akeredolu

Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said the blood of the innocent worshipers spilt inside the St Francis Catholic Church in Owo and the fervent prayers of citizens contributed to the arrest of the assailants.

He said this while thanking security agencies for facilitating the arrest of the assailants who gunned down scores and injured many on June 5, 2022.

This is as he assured that his administration will continue to maintain peace in the State, stressing that it is the responsibility of government.

He also is reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting the people and their property, reemphasising that a recent shooting in Owo had nothing to do with the June 5 attack.

Akeredolu spoke in his office on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to his office by officers of the Federal Fire Service, led by the South West Zone L, Commander and Assistant Comptroller of Fire Service, James Olatunji.

He said, ”We knew about this about a week ago. Arrest has been made over a week ago. I know there was ongoing investigation and because of that, there was no need for us to make it public so that the security agencies, especially DSS, who were majorly involved are not compromised.

“The arrest was made about last week, we were briefed, but we had a pact with them not to go public and as of this morning, two other people were arrested.

“We know that now that it has been made public, the security work may be difficult. We must thank Almighty God that this arrest has been made. Where they attacked was a sacred place and the prayers of the people have been answered.

“The blood of the innocent people they killed are crying. What happened in Owo thereafter, the recent shooting, was not to maim or kill. By the grace of God, we will continue to find a way to maintain peace in this state. That is what we owe our people.”