Nigeria’s South-west Governors’ Forum on Sunday, declared a three-day mourning period in memory of the victims of the June 5 terror attack on St Francis Catholic, Owaluwa Street, Owo, Ondo State.
A communique issued after a virtual meeting of the governors stated that the mourning period would hold between Monday, June 13, and Wednesday, June 15, to symbolise the collective loss across the South-west.
The communique signed by all the governors, led by their chairman and Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), also expressed concern about the influx of commercial motorcycle (okada) riders in all parts of the South-west.
That was as churches in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Sunday, recorded poor attendance during services, perhaps, for fear of another attack.
The governors’ communique read, “The recent attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa Street, Owo, compels immediate intervention in the whole of the South West to nip the insidious phenomenon of insurgency in the bud.
“The meeting, consequently, took decisions, some of which are expected to have far-reaching implications in the quest to protect lives and property in the region.”
They condemned, in very strong terms, the crime perpetrated by the terrorists against the people and residents of Owo, and, by extension, the people of the South-west.
The communiqué said, “The governors agreed to declare a 3-day mourning period in memory of the victims of the 5th June, 2022 terror attack on St Francis Catholic, Owaluwa Street, Owo, Ondo State, starting from Monday, 13th June, to Wednesday, 15th, June, 2022 to symbolise our collective loss across all South Western States in Nigeria.
“The meeting agreed that all the governors should direct the flying of flags at half mast in all public buildings, facilitates and official residences across all the states in the South West in honour of the victims of the Owo terror attack.
“We noted, with great discomfiture, the increasing agitations about spaces taken over by unidentified and unknown migrants in all South West States. The meeting, therefore, recommends an increase in the scope of surveillance of the activities of these undocumented settlers by relevant security agencies in all the states. The governors, as Chief Security Officers, resolved to continue to assist the security agencies in the areas of crisis management and intelligence gathering at all times.
“The governors reviewed reports from various states on the factors militating against peace and security in the region. They expressed grave concern on the influx of Okada riders into all parts of the South West, especially, the state capitals. The meeting further resolved that efforts be geared toward identity management of Okada riders and stringent regulation put in place for their operation.”
According to the governors, it is time to reconvene the South West Security Committee to look critically into the creeping menace of insurgency before it blossoms into another intractable social problem.
The communique added, “The committee will be expected to submit its findings on the desirability of Okada operations in the region. It is also expected to submit a multi-level template to combat the threat of insurgency and terrorism in the region. The forum agreed to convene forthwith a physical meeting of the South West governors to deliberate on the security challenges confronting the region.”
Meanwhile, many churches in Owo recorded low attendance during Sunday service, as fears fresh attacks by terrorists, who had attached the Catholic church, lingered.
THISDAY visited some churches, including Saint Andrews Cathedral, Imola Street, Owo; Saint Patrick Anglican Church, Ijebu-Owo; Saint Stephen Catholic Church Oke-Ogun, Owo; the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pentecost Parish, Folahan Ale street, Oke-dogbon Owo; and New Church Cathedral, Fajuyi, Owo.
St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, remained deserted and under lock and key, but armed police officers and soldiers were seen outside the church premises.
At the time of filling this report, THISDAY gathered that no priest had conducted a holy mass to cleanse the church of what had been described as a sacrilegious attack in the house of God by agents of darkness.
At St Stephen Catholic Church, Oke-ogun, members did not turn up in their usual large number, possibly for fear of attack. Also, when mass for the “Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity” was going on, the entrance gate of the church was locked.
A member of the church, Ejike Nwali, said it would be unchristian for him to stay away from God’s house for fear of attack.
“Why will I be afraid to go to church, because St Francis was attacked? To me, to live is Christ. He is my source of joy, my reason to live and to die is to gain eternity,” he said.
Assistant Pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, His Praise Parish, Oke-ogun, Owo, Mr. Kehinde Ogunkorode, said, “The book of Isaiah 41:10, God instructs the prophet to tell His people not to fear. ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand’, so, you can see us here in our large number, we are not scared.”
A member of Saint Patrick Anglican Church, Ijebu-Owo, Mr Ijawoye Mathew, said the low turnout was because many people were still mourning their loved ones, who lost their lives in the horrific attack.
Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, had while briefing State House correspondents last Thursday, after the National Security Council meeting in Abuja, identified ISWAP as responsible for the Owo attack.
Although ISWAP has not claimed responsibility, the minister said security agencies, particularly, the police, had been directed to apprehend the perpetrators, adding that the attack has no ethnic-religious connection.
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