Some residents on Sunday, attacked Northerners in Ogwatoghose and Ikare areas of Ondo State in retaliation for an attack by gunmen on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owa-luwa Street, in the Owo Local Government Area of the state.
Members of the church were attacked by terrorists said to be of Northern extraction during the celebration of the Pentecost Sunday.
Members of the congregation were shot dead by the terrorists and the victims includes women and children.
A chief in Owo town, where the incident occurred, said some residents retaliated by attacking some Hausa people (ethnic nationality from Northern Nigeria) in some areas of the town.
The chief described the attackers as miscreants and hapless individuals who only used the opportunity to loot.
He said, ”There is a place where the Hausas buy and sell aluminium and iron material. They were beaten and their goods were destroyed. It happened at Ogwatoghose (Owatowse) Street.
“Opportunities to loot were not ruled out. The same attack happened at the Ikare junction area as well.
”Some of the attackers are miscreants.
To me, these are hapless people fending for themselves.”
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye have appealed to youths in Owo, Ondo state not to retaliate the killing of worshippers at St Francis Catholic Church in the town.
Speaking during his visit to the church and hospitals where survivors of the attack are receiving medical attention, Akeredolu, described the terror attack on innocent worshipers at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo, as a massacre and horrific.
Akeredolu, who said he was terribly sad, noted that the attack was the most dastardly act that could happen in any society.
“What has happened here today is tragic. No better way to qualify it. It is the most tragic event! Horrific! What we have seen in America is a child play to what has happened here.
“That it happened in a church, to say the least, is most condemnable. I feel terribly sad, and I can understand our people are in sad mood. Nobody will see or hear what happened here that will feel safe.
“But let me tell you, we have a duty to protect you. Our security agencies lost about two men. It was not an expected attack. It was sudden. How they entered and escaped is still surprising. What has happened met us unexpectedly.
“On this matter, don’t retaliate. We know what to do and you will hear it. The perpetrators will never escape. We are after them. And I can assure you we will get them. I am not boasting.
“I want to express my condolences to those who have lost their dear ones to this unnecessary gruesome murder.
“This is a great massacre. Our people in Ondo state we will not let down their guard. This will not happen again.
“We have all heads of security agencies here. They are listening to me, and I am urging them to take all necessary steps.
“This must not happen again. We must be very vigilant. I want to particularly send a word of condolence to the Bishop.
“What they damaged here is much. dynamite was used. We can see pools of blood everywhere.
“I have come to appeal to you to maintain your calm and let the security agencies take charge. They are taking this seriously. Please, don’t take laws into your hands.”
