Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has reacted to the unfortunate incident that took place in Owo, Ondo State on Sunday.
Unknown gunmen had invaded St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-Iuwa, Ondo State and killed innocent worshippers at 12noon after the morning mass.
His royal majesty, Oba Ogunwusi labelled the act as “gruesome massacre dastardly targeted at turning Yorubaland to a war zone.”
He recounted another unfortunate incident that happened the previous year in Oyo State, where over 50 persons were killed by terrorists, who invaded the church as started shooting at any moving object.
He called on the President, Muhammadu Buhari, South West governors to live up to the oath they took to secure lives and properties in the country.
He added that he is going to consult with traditional rulers and governors in the south west, to suggest a plan on how the lives of the people can be safeguarded.
“What happened yesterday was a gruesome massacre, dastardly targeted at turning Yorubaland to a war zone. However, we the descendants of Oduduwa, although peace loving cannot be overrun in our homes.
“Do not be mistaken, we have the capacity and we are prepared and ready to defend ourselves against external invasion.
“We should all be reminded that yesterday made it exactly one year when an invading gang of killer herdsmen, killed at least 20 people in Igangan, Ibarapa North local government of Oyo State on a Saturday night, leaving several houses, the palace of Asigangan burnt in the attack, whilst people were asleep. Exactly a year ago.
“When calamities like this befall us without a single trace, the interpretation is that the Intelligence unit of our country’s security architecture is probably faulty or completely missing.
“I implore the six governors across the south west region and their brothers nationwide, as well as the president Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government, to live up to their oaths of securing Nigerians and ensuring safety for all citizens irrespective of their age, sex, religion or tribe.
“Rather than discouraging us, this will rather encourage us especially in our resolve to deploy manpower, resources and technology, towards the protection of lives and properties. I’m in consultation with traditional rulers across the south-west, alongside the governor’s across the south west to come up with concrete plans to safeguard our people.
“We have deep obligations to them in the face of inadequate state security challenges that are threatening the fabric of our existence.
“To my brother, Oluwo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunnoye III, the entire Owo kingdom, to the governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to the Ondo State Government, to the people of Owo, to the Priest and parishioners of St Francis Catholic Church Owa-Iuwa, Owo, to the families of all the victims and the entire people of Ondo State, it is my prayers that Olodunmare will comfort you all and give you peace in these trying times.”
[TheWill]
