OWO ATTACK: ONDO GOVT CONCLUDES FIRST PHASE OF CASH DONATION TO VICTIMS, REITERATES COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING SUCCOUR
•As Victims’ Families Recount Ordeals, Appreciate Gov Akeredolu
•I Lost Both Parents In The Attack -Corp Member
•Our Grandmother Died Immediately She Heard Of My Brother’s Death -Slain Victim Elder Sister
The Ondo State Government on Thursday concluded the first round of cash donations to the families of the deceased and victims of the June 5 attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa in Owo.
The presentation of the cash donation was held at the premises of St Francis Catholic Church.
A member of the Donation Management Committee who is also the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr Dare Aragbaiye, explained that the committee will come back from time to time to disburse more money to the victims and particularly the deceased families as soon as more funds come into the purse which the state government has created for the purpose.
He disclosed that the State government has disbursed several millions of naira to the families of the deceased and victims of the June 5 incident since Tuesday.
Aragbaiye, who was in company of some other committee members, noted that the cash donation would assist the beneficiaries to overcome the trauma, both physical and psychological.
He particularly appreciated Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, for his prompt response to assist the victims.
“Since the incident happened on the 5th of June, Mr Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has been on this matter, particularly on the need to bring succour to the families whose loved ones were killed in the incident. And also to the injured, some of whom are still visiting the hospitals for treatments and follow-ups.
“In order not to delay this support meant for them, Mr Governor directed that a reasonable amount of money be given to each of them. Each of the families and each of the injured, and that is precisely what we have done.
“I believe that this will go a long way to bringing relief to the victims. The incident was unfortunate but to the glory of God many still survived. And many of the relatives of those who died also need support.
“So, what the Governor has done will assist them to overcome the trauma, both physical and psychological. We were here on Tuesday and we have come here again on Thursday to conclude the first round of the exercise..
“We believe that as more money comes into the purse which the state government has created for this purpose, we will also be coming back from time to time to disburse more money. Aragbaiye stressed.
However, it was an emotional moment as victims families recounted their ordeals, even as they appreciated Governor Akeredolu for remembering them by bringing succour in time of need.
In separate remarks after receiving the cash gifts from the state government to assuage the pains inflicted by the dastardly act, the beneficiaries including Onuoha Chinedu, who lost his both parents, Omodara Feyidupe, who lost her brother and others, specially thanked Governor Akeredolu for being sensitive to their plights and fulfilling his promises not to abandon them, especially at difficult period.
Chinedu, a corp member, narrated his ordeal:”I was in the church on that Sunday and I thank God for saving my life. I wish to appreciate the Ondo State Government for what they have done thus far, and for the fatherly love.
“it shows that we have a government that has sympathy for citizens, and everyone involved in the incident. I also thank the Catholic Church for everything they have done”.
Also, Omodara Feyidupe, who lost her brother, Obuche Krummale to the attack, commended the government for the timely intervention since the incident happened.
“Even when the grandmother he was taking care of heard of his demise, she had an attack that led to her death. The package given to us is well appreciated. The efforts of the Committee set up by Ondo State Government led by Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa has done well”, she added.
On his part, Ngozika Onyeke, who lost her husband, Onyebuchi Onyeke and Lawrence Nzelu, who lost his wife, Stella Nzelu, during the attack expressed gratitude to the government, saying the kind gesture has given them hope.
Other victims including Idoko Ofoma, who survived the incident with his wife and five children appreciated government for reaching out to them.
