Buhari condemns Ondo Church Attack

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, saying darkness will never overcome the light.

Suspected terrorists were said to have blown up the church on Sunday with many worshippers feared dead and several others injured.

Hours after the incident, Buhari said Nigeria will never succumb to the dictates of those he described as evil and wicked people.

“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,” the President was quoted as saying via a statement issued by his media aide, Femi Adesina.

According to the President, only fiends from the nether region could have conceived and carried out such a dastardly act, adding that eternal sorrow awaits them both on earth here and ultimately in the hereafter.

He equally mourned the dead, condoling with their families, the Catholic Church, and the Government of Ondo State.

The Commander-in-Chief also directed emergency agencies to swing into action and bring succour to the wounded.

Meanwhile, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has expressed sadness over Sunday’s attack at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, and vowed to hunt down the masterminds of the assault. 

He said this in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, shortly after the attack which killed many.

“It is a 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,” Governor Akeredolu said.

“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.”

The governor, who commiserated with the families of the victims, vowed to fish out the culprits.

“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,” the statement added.

“I commiserate with my people in Owo, particularly families of the 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.”

Governor Akeredolu called for the people to remain calm, assuring them that “security operatives would be deployed to monitor and restore normalcy to Owo kingdom”.