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Bandits Kill Over 25 Worshippers In Ondo Catholic Church …Buhari, Akeredolu, Afenifere, Others Condemn Attack

Published

2 years ago

June 6, 2022

No fewer than 25 persons were feared dead, yesterday, as suspected bandits opened fire on worshipers at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, in Owo Local Government Area, in the Ondo State capital, Akure.
The state police spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami, said the command would speak on the ugly incident later.
A member of the St Francis Catholic Church, Kehinde Ogunkorode, confirmed that gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, attacked the church, killing no fewer than 25 worshippers.
Ogunkorode said that the bandits, numbering five, stormed the church during service and shot members indiscriminately.
According to him, “lt was like a movie, they invaded the church and shot indiscriminately. Several people were killed, including children and women.
“It was when they wanted to abduct the priest that they threw dynamite into the church”.
Another source confirmed that no fewer than 25 corpses have been moved out of the church with many casualties lying at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for medical attention.
According to him, “Some gunmen invaded the church during service, opened fire and killed no fewer than 25 members of the church.
“The congregants were caught unawares by the killers. They also used explosives but many were shot”, he said.
Also speaking, one of the priests at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo, Ondo State, Father Andrew Abayomi, has given an account of how the church was attacked.
Abayomi, who spoke during an interview with BBC Yoruba, said suspected terrorists struck as the church service was wrapping up.
He said, “We were about to round off service. I had even asked people to start leaving, that was how we started hearing gunshots from different angles.
“We hide inside the church but some people had left when the attack happened. We locked ourselves in the church for 20 minutes. When we heard that they had left, we opened the church and rushed victims to the hospital”, Abayomi said.
Reacting to the incident, President Muhammadu Buhari, expressed shock and sadness over the heinous killing of worshippers, yesterday, at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo Kingdom, in Ondo State.
Buhari, in his condemnation of the dastardly act, said that eternal sorrow awaits those behind killing both here on earth and in the hereafter.
The president’s expression of grief was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina.
Buhari, in the statement said, “Only fiends from the nether region could have conceived and carried out such dastardly act, adding that eternal sorrow awaits them both on earth here, and ultimately in the hereafter.”
He mourned the dead, condoled with their families, the Catholic Church, and the Government of Ondo State, charging emergency agencies to swing into action, and bring succour to the wounded.
The statement quoted him as saying, “No matter what, this country shall never give in to evil and wicked people, and darkness will never overcome the light. Nigeria will eventually win.”
Also reacting, the Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, vowed to hunt down assailants behind the killing of innocent people of Owo, worshiping at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, yesterday.
The governor, who described the incident as a vile and satanic attack, said he was saddened by the calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years.
Akeredolu’s reaction was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, saying, “It is a black Sunday in Owo. Our hearts are heavy. Our peace and tranquillity have been attacked by the enemies of the people. This is a personal loss, an attack on our dear state.
“I have spoken to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, who is presently on his way to Owo. Similarly, I have had to cut short my party’s national assignment in Abuja and visit Owo immediately.
“This is an unexpected development. I am shocked to say the least. Nevertheless, we shall commit every available resource to hunt down these assailants and make them pay. We shall never bow to the machinations of heartless elements in our resolves to rid our state of criminals.
“I commiserate with my people in Owo, particularly families of those who lost their lives to this ugly and unfortunate attack. I extend my condolences to Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye as well as the Catholic Church.
“I urge our people to remain calm and vigilant. Do not take laws into your hands. I have spoken to the heads of the security agencies. I have equally been assured that security operatives would be deployed to monitor and restore normalcy to Owo kingdom,” Akeredolu said.
In his remarks, Leader of the Yoruba self-determination movement, Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, Prof. Banji Akintoye, described the attack on Christian worshipers at St. Francis Catholic Church, by terrorists suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, as a declaration of war against the Yoruba people.
Akintoye said, “The effrontery of the Fulani marauders needs to be frankly and courageously confronted so as to prove to their sponsors that the Yoruba people can never be intimidated or subjugated.”
The Ilana group’s leader, in a statement by the Communications Secretary, Mr Maxwell Adeleye, titled, “Owo Catholic church attack is a declaration of war against Yoruba people – Akintoye”, called on Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to declare an emergency against the activities of Fulani herdsmen in the state with immediate effect.
He said, “We have stated it very expressly that the Yoruba people need to negotiate their exit from Nigeria as a matter of urgency, but our partisan political actors in Yorubaland never took us serious. We warned them that there’s fire on the mountain, but we were mocked because of their personal aggrandisement.
“Today, we have all been encircled, most especially, in Lagos. For herdsmen to have the effrontery of bombarding a church in Yorubaland to kill some people shows that we are now in a realistic danger.
“My urgent advice to Governor Akeredolu is to pick up the gauntlet and declare an emergency against the activities of all Fulani herdsmen in the state with immediate effect. We have now been taken for granted. We need not pretend anymore. We must demand unanimously, an exit from Nigeria.
“We, the Yoruba people, cannot live in the same country with characters whose idea of common citizenship in Nigeria is to brutalise, subjugate and even exterminate us. It is time to leave these characters now. All stakeholders – the elites, traditional rulers, and our women should act now.
“All the South-West states, including the Yoruba leaders in Kogi and Kwara states should equally declare an emergency against the activities of Fulani herdsmen. We must now take our destinies into our hands,” he said.
Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, also condemned the attack on worshippers of Owo Catholic Church, where many were feared killed as several others sustained life-threatening injuries.
Adams, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media,Mr. Kehinde Aderemi, said the incident was ungodly, and it is capable of threatening the foundation and existence of Nigeria.
He described the perpetrators of the gory attack as evil, saying they have sinned against God and should be ready to face the wrath of the Most High God.
Expressing concern on the spate of insecurity across the country, the Yoruba generalissimo said: “Cases of Boko Haram and Bandits and other criminal elements always attacking churches and mosques have simply showed the failures of the government.It has also exposed the crass incompetence of Nigeria’s leaders and the security apparatus.
“Reports at my disposal showed clearly that the attackers actually disguised as worshippers of the church,planted an explosive device within the church premises and carried out their evil attack on innocent worshippers.
“They later kidnapped the Reverend Father, leaving worshippers cold dead in the pool of their blood.
“The criminals, according to reports, did not come with vehicles, they hijacked vehicle on the road to convey their victims.
“Meanwhile, owner of the hijacked vehicle had gone to Owo A. Division to report the incident, even as all the roads in the ancient town had reportedly been deserted as people had stayed off the roads.
“The Federal Government must rise to its responsibility, begin thorough investigation into the attack and also bring the perpetrators of this gory incident to book.Investigation into the Owo Catholic bomb attack should not be swept under the carpet. Those that carried out the attack are not ghost,they must be apprehended immediately.”
While condoling with the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ajibade Ogunoye, Adams, however, urgedthe governor not to relent in his efforts to secure the state, saying that Ondo State would not succumb to the will of criminals that are ready to truncate the peace of the state.
“The video clips and pictures of the deadly attack on worshippers could best be imagined.Such attack would definitely not happen in a saner clime where there is effective security.It would not happen in a country where lives of the citizens are precious to the government.
“However, at this sober time, I feel the pain even as I condole with the governor,the royal father, the good people of Owo town, especially, those that have lost their loved- ones to this cruel attack.The attackis a condemnable act,and a sad one for that matter.It is an attempt to destabilise the state and make life unbearable to the people”, he said.
Similarly, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, said that the Owo attack in which church worshippers were murdered at St Francis Catholic Church, was a direct attack on Yoruba race.
It’s National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, said that “The massacre in Owo Chatholic church is a direct attack on Yoruba land.
“It is directed at Governor Rotimi Akeredolu for his unflinching support for security in Yoruba land by championing the Amatekun security outfits, his stringent upholding of the open gracing law and for his ‘big mouth’ about Southern co-operation for equity and justice in Nigeria.
“We will not succumb into terrorist threat or attack, they will not be allowed to bring down our civilisation.
“We will hunt the killers down. Citizen should not take law into their hands by attacking innocent northerners, only the terrorists, who are mostly foreign Fulani, should be fished out and finish off by the security forces.
“This attack is to course confusion and course war into our land. We should not play into their hands.”
Omololu said that “This evil is condemned in the strongest term. We commensurate with the government and people of Ondo State, the Catholic Church, the Olowo of Owo and the people of Owo”.

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Be Firm In Fight Against Oil Theft, Fubara Tells CNS …As Navy Moves Training Hqtrs To Rivers …Seizes 14 Vessels In Three Months

Published

6 days ago

April 26, 2024

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has encouraged the Nigerian Navy to be firm in the fight against all forms of economic sabotage, particularly crude oil theft, in the nation’s waterways.
The Governor noted with delight the positive results already recorded by the Navy in the State due largely to the tremendous support it has received from his administration.
Governor Fubara spoke when he hosted on courtesy visit, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla with his delegation of top officers of Navy High Command at Government House in Port Harcourt,yesterday.
The Rivers State Governor stated that Nigeria was facing myriad of crises, including economic challenges, rising insecurity and criminal activities that threaten the national economy, which should not be overlooked.
He said, “We are working together, we will give you all the support to make sure that you deliver on your mandate.
”And what is the mandate? You were appointed at a time when our country is facing a lot of crises, and your duty, among others, include to reduce, if it cannot be eliminated completely, the criminalities perpetrated on the waterways; oil theft and others.
”And I am happy that they are positive and commendable records of achievement so far, in the course of your tenure.”
Governor Fubara said the good news of reduced level of oil theft in Rivers State is evidence of the many positive things that are happening in the State beyond the much hyped negativity, and assured that such positive achievements will be sustained.
The State Chief Executive insisted: “The success of the Nigerian Navy in our State, in the areas of oil theft, is because the State Government has given you all the necessary support.
”We have collaborated with the command here. We supported them morally, and with all the necessary logistics.
”We have also maintained good relationship with the communities to make sure that whatever it is that is required for these operations to be successful were granted. I am happy to be associated with these very laudable achievements.”
Governor Fubara said: “So, I have to say that I am happy that the Chief of Naval Staff, today, is commending the success of the exercise. He is commending the doggedness of the men in fighting oil theft, not just in the Niger Delta, but particularly in our State.
”I want to assure you that we will continue to give them the support, and discourage any act that would be a sabotage to the economy of our State.”
Governor Fubara said that Rivers State was not named in error: there are several water channels that can boost the operations of the Navy. This is why we are requesting that the Nigerian Navy move all its bases to the State.
”It was not a mistake they called it Rivers State. It is surrounded with all forms of rivers. You want the Atlantic region, you can get it here. You want those small creeks, you can also get it here. Maybe, if you want an Island, you can also find it here.
”So, it is proper if we work with you and you have all that is required within this geographic region, to have all your bases relocated to Rivers State,” he said.
He further said: “We must continue to give you the necessary support to make sure that you succeed. I am happy to also say that, as the Governor of the State by the special grace of God, we are still here, not minding the dramas here and there. We will not let our people down in ensuring that we protect their interest.
”We will support the genuine course of governance; the protection of lives and provision of basic amenities. And these can only be achieved when there is a peaceful environment.
”And the peaceful environment can only come when there is a collaboration with security agencies to prevent crimes, and protect lives and property of residents.”
In his address, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, reiterated that the Nigerian Navy and Rivers State are like conjoined twins who cannot do without each other.
This is because, he said, they needed collaboration on various aspects of their activities ranging from training, operations, logistics, adding that Rivers State is key to their performance.
”My purpose of coming here today are three folds. The first is to inform His Excellency that on Saturday, we are graduating a set of former civilians who have been trained at our Basic Training School, Onne, and are graduating to join the ranks of the Nigerian Navy as ratings in order to beef up our strength.
”The second reason is to first appreciate the Governor and the entire Rivers State Government for the schools they donated to us: the Ambassador Nne Krukrubo Model Secondary School at Eleme in Eleme Local Government Area, and the Model Secondary School, Egbelu in Oyigbo Local Government Area.”
Vice Admiral Ogalla stated further: “We also want to use this opportunity to inform His Excellency that following that donation, and based on our strategic plan of moving our facilities to areas where we have enough space to be able to carryout out duties, we have renovated the school at Eleme.
”We are happy to report, today, that the erstwhile location of Headquarters of Naval Training Command, Lagos, is moving to that particular school location in Eleme, tomorrow.’
Speaking on the operational successes recorded thus far, he said that propelled by the charge given to them by President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Navy, under his watch, has impounded 14 vessels caught to be conveying stolen crude oil and several other individuals arrested, adding that investigations into their culpability were ongoing.
”I am here today to report Sir, that, with the “Operation Delta Sanity”, launched in January, 2024, we have been very successful, and within the period, we have recorded tremendous successes and achievements.
”Over 14 large crude carrying vessels have been arrested within that period. Most of them are at various levels of investigation. We have also arrested several barges and other companies and organizations that are involved in oil theft.
”As a result of the operations, we are happy to report that there has been tremendous improvement in terms of security in the maritime environment,” Ogalla added.

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118 Inmates Escape As Rainstorm Destroys Niger Prison

Published

6 days ago

April 26, 2024

The Tide

A heavy downpour has wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, resulting in extensive damage to the facility and facilitating the escape of 118 inmates.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the spokesperson, Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Adamu Duza, yesterday.
Duza noted that the downpour which occurred on Wednesday night, caused severe damage to the custodial centre’s infrastructure, including a breach in the perimeter fence, which allowed the inmates to flee.
However, 10 fleeing inmates had been recaptured following a swift response by the NCoS in collaboration with other security agencies.
Duazu promised that efforts were ongoing to recapture the remaining fleeing inmates, adding that their database would soon be made known to the public.
Recognising the vulnerability of ageing facilities, many of which were built during the colonial era, Duza acknowledged that the NCoS was committed to modernising its infrastructure.
The statement further noted that the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Francis John, assured the public that the situation was under control and urged them to carry on with their daily activities without fear.
The public was encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or sightings of escaped inmates to the nearest security agency.
The statement read in part, “A heavy downpour that lasted for several hours on the night of Wednesday, April 24, 2024, has wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centres, Suleja, Niger state, as well as surrounding buildings, destroying parts of the custodial facility, including its perimeter fence, giving way to the escape of 118 inmates of the facility.
“The service has immediately activated its recapturing mechanisms, and in conjunction with sister security agencies, has so far recaptured 10 fleeing inmates and taken them into custody, while we are in hot pursuit to recapture the rest.
“The service is not unmindful of the fact that many of its facilities were built during the colonial era and that they are old and weak. The Service is making frantic efforts to ensure that all aging facilities give way to modern ones.
“The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Francis John, wishes to assure the public that the service is on top of the situation and that they should go about their normal businesses without fear or hindrance.”
Meanwhile, the United States has underscored the significant challenge of overcrowding in Nigerian prisons.
The US, according to its ‘2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria,’ published on its website on Tuesday, noted that numerous correctional facilities were grappling with a staggering 50 per cent increase in the number of inmates beyond their intended capacity, revealing a systemic issue.
Furthermore, it disclosed that a notable proportion of these prisons, some with histories dating back 70 to 80 years, faced difficulties in meeting even the most fundamental standards of living.

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Rivers’ll Be Known For Peace, Not Crisis -Fubara

Published

3 weeks ago

April 10, 2024

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that peace has prevailed because he draws strength from God to resist insults and tantrums thrown at him while frustrating attempts by some disgruntled persons who wanted to plunge the State into unending crisis.
The Governor also said that because he has anchored his Government on promoting peace, the enabling atmosphere has been provided for investments and sustainable development to flourish.
Governor Fubara made the assertion when he received a delegation of members of the Bishops and Gospel Ministers’ Association International Incorporated, Rivers State Chapter, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, Governor Fubara said while most people took his meekness for weakness, his stance on peace has unarguably enhanced harmonious atmosphere of concord as residents sleep with their two eyes closed, and investors and shareholders are happy with the returns on investment.
He said, “Before, what they hear of Rivers State is that they are fighting, and some genuine investors will not come. Some people even ask you: How are you coping in Rivers State?
“But now”, he asserted: “The Governor has brought about a lot of changes in the State. One of the most important things is that he has changed the negative narrative. It is no longer Rivers of blood. It is now Rivers of peace.
“We are enjoying our lives here. Why? Because there is a change in the narrative. We have peace. The Governor is, as much as possible, absorbing any level of insult at him only for one purpose: that Rivers State may have peace; that we may grow; that this state will experience genuine development.”
Governor Fubara urged them, as members of the Christian family in the State, to continue to pray for the State and the Government so that the enemies of the State will be put to greater shame.
“This peace is what I want you to embrace. Go and continue to pray, because when the sower of the seed went and sowed, the enemy went in the night and sowed tares inside there. But the Governor is sowing peace.
“When I listened to the leader of the team, His Grace Eddy Ogbonda, he said you came all the way from Eleme Junction, and stopped at major junctions, and you uttered prayers for the peace of Rivers State.”
He also said: “I, hereby want to thank you for identifying with the Governor at a time like this. At a time when it looks as if someone wants the Governor’s peace posture misunderstood as weakness.
“When someone has the strength to fight back, but refuses to fight back. That is a bigger strength; that power of restrain does not just come, it can only come from God.
“You cannot give peace, if you do not have peace within you. The Governor is not interested in any form of trouble or violence. What he is interested in is known, and it is: let there be peace in Rivers State,” he said.
In his address, leader of the group, Archbishop Eddy Ogbonda, said they had observed a week-long intensive prayers that culminated into a peace rally, which brought them to Government House, and assured the Governor that God will continue to give him victory over his adversaries while preserving Rivers State.
“It is Rivers State Prophetic Prayer Convocation and Rally 2024 with the theme: ‘Peace be still’. Of a truth, everyone of us understands that we live in a time when we need peace much more than any other thing.
“Rivers State needs peace. Everyone as individuals need peace. The country needs peace, and the world at large needs peace. So, we are here to do a peace march. We pray that God will command His peace to reign in Rivers State,” he said.