The Federal Government on Thursday disclosed that last Sunday attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, by gunmen leading to the death of worshippers have been linked to Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP).
The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola who briefed State House Correspondents at the end of National Security Council Meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The minister who briefed alongside Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman; said the police has been ordered to go after the perpetrators of the act and bring them to justice.
According to him, the imprint of ISWAP has been found on the scene of the attack, vowing that they will be brought to Justice.
According to Aregbesola, ISWAP’s aim is to pit Nigerians against each other by this attack to make it appear as ethno-religious war.
The IGP on his part also hinted that 10,000 additional police officers will graduate next month to be added to the security architecture immediately.
He also said the police will be leading other security agencies to monitor the June 18, 2022 elections in Ekiti State.
Akeredolu Rejects FG’s Claim on ISWAP
Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has rubbished claims by the Federal Government that extremist group, Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) is responsible for the killing of worshippers at a Catholic Church in Owo last Sunday.
A statement by the State Government during the week put the death figure at 40 people with dozens injured.
Akeredolu who reacted via his Facebook page said:
“Owo Killings, ISWAP Terrorist? What evidence. Too Hasty.”
UNITED STATES CONDOLES GOV AKEREDOLU OVER OWO TERROR ATTACK
The United States of America (USA) has condoled the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, over the last Sunday terror attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa street, Owo.
40 persons out of the 127 involved in the attack were killed, leaving 61 survivors currently on admission in different hospitals and 26 already discharged.
In a letter to Governor Akeredolu, dated 7th June, 2022 and signed by the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, the USA extended its heartfelt condolences to the people of Ondo State, and the Owo community.
The USA condemned the attack in strongest terms, while expressing its concern over the growing pattern of violence that afflicts communities across Nigeria.
The letter reads:”On behalf of the United States and the staff of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to you, Ondo State, and the Owo community for the horrific event and lives lost at the St. Francis Catholic Church on Sunday, June 5.
“This tragedy saddens us deeply and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families during this difficult time.
“The United States condemns this attack in the strongest terms, and we are concerned with the growing pattern of violence that afflicts communities across Nigeria.
“We remain steadfast in our efforts to support Nigeria in enhancing civilian security throughout the country.
Once again, please accept our deepest condolences.”
