Owo killings: Ondo Govt Extends Days Of Mourning

The Ondo State Government on Monday extended the mourning period in honour of the victims of the terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State till Wednesday, June 15, 2022.

This was stated in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, in Akure.

Mr Olatunde explained that the extension was sequel to the resolution of the Southwest Governors’ Forum to observe a 3-day mourning period, starting from Monday to Wednesday across all the Southwest states.

“Governor Akeredolu has also directed that all flags in the state must be flown at half-mast for the three days extension.

Gov. Akeredolu appreciated the governors in the Southwest for the massive love and cooperation shown since the horrendous attack in Owo,” Mr Olatunde said.

At least 40 people were killed on June 5 when gunmen attacked a Catholic church in Owo, Ondo State.

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The attack has been condemned by Nigerians and the international community.

The six governors of the South West geo-political zone, under the auspices of the South West Governors’ Forum, have declared a three-day mourning in memory of the victims of the June 5, 2022 terror attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.

The meeting agreed that all the governors should direct the flying of Flags at half mast in all public buildings, facilities and official residences across all the states of the south west in honour of the victims of the Owo attack.

The governors 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 towards identity management of okada riders and stringent regulation put in place for their operation.

“Consequently, the Forum decided it was time to reconvene the South West Security Committee, to look critically into this creeping menace before it blossoms into another intractable social problem.

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,” it added.