Top presidential aspirants have taken to social media to condemn the gruesome attack on worshippers at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, in Owo council area of Ondo State.
Some of those who expressed sadness at the attack included former governor of Lago State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, and former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi.
Tinubu, in a post on Twitter, commiserated with the Governor and citizens of Ondo State.
He wrote, “My thoughts and prayers are with H.E. Governor Akeredolu, the government and the people of Ondo State.”
On his part, Osinbajo wrote, “I am saddened by the senseless massacre of innocent people in Owo. My deepest condolences go to the families whose hearts are broken and are grasping for answers. We are united in grief and a resolve to defeat the cowards who unleash terror on defenceless people.”
Atiku, in a signed tweet, wrote, “I condemn the attack on the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, in Owo council area of Ondo State capital. My prayers are with the people of Owo, especially families of the deceased.
“I do hope that the state government and relevant security agencies will leave no stone unturned in apprehending the criminals and bringing them to justice. I condole with the body of Catholic faithful in Nigeria.
“I pray that someday, very soon, we shall have a lasting solution to these painful episodes.”
Peter Obi wrote, “What happened in Owo today again adds to my position that our country is fast becoming a failed state. All must now join hands in saving our country from this existential situation we find ourselves in today.
“I sympathise with the victims’ families, the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, the people and the Government of Ondo State. I urge the Federal Government and Ondo State Government to do whatever is possible to ensure that perpetrators of the dastardly act are brought to book.”