The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, has given his account of the attack on the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, by terrorists on Sunday.
In a statement signed by Rev. Fr. Augustine Ikwu, Director, Social Communications, Arogundade described the situation as a sad one. He added that security operatives have been deployed to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
The statement read, "It is Pentecost Sunday when every Catholic is expected to be in Church to commemorate the Solemnity.
"It is so sad to say that while the Holy Mass was going on, unknown gunmen attacked St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, leaving many feared dead and many others injured and the Church violated. The identities of the perpetrators remain unknown while the situation has left the community devastated.
"However, for now, security agencies have been deployed to the community to relatively handle the situation. At this point in the history of our dear country Nigeria, we need God’s ultimate intervention to restore peace and tranquility.
"Meanwhile, all the Priests and Bishop in the parish are safe and non was kidnapped as the social media has it. Nonetheless, let us continue to pray for them and the good people of Owo and the state at large.
"We turn to God to console the families of those whose lives were lost to this distressing incident, and we pray for the departed souls to rest in peace. Amen.
"The Bishop appeals that we remain calm, be law-abiding and pray for peace and normalcy to return to our community, state and country.”
Meanwhile, the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has visited Owo and sympathized with the victims of the attack.
His statement read in part, “It is black Sunday in Owo. Our hearts are heavy. Our peace and tranquility have been attacked by the enemies of the people. This is a personal loss, an attack on our dear state…”
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