After the uneventful massacre that happened in Owo, a city in Ondo state, Nigeria, there has been a lot of follow up events, reactions, and speculations.
So…what really happened and what effect had it had on the Nigerian society?
The Event
On June 5, 2022, some unknown gunmen went into the St Francis Xavier Catholic church, located on Owaluwa Street, Owo, Ondo State, which is located in the western part of Nigeria, and opened fire on congregation.
Latest reports on the event shows that the attackers ended up killing more than 50 people in the attack before running away.
Some reports also said that the attackers made use of explosives but this has not been verified. No bandit group has claimed accountability/responsibility, and the motive for the attack is still being speculated.
Reactions and Post Events
Governor Akeredolu Visits:
After attack, the state governor paid a visit to the scene, and the hospital where some of the victims were receiving treatments .
In his statement he said “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”.
The British High Commissioner Reacts:
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing ,has also thrown some light on the unfortunate incidence.
“Terrible news today from Owo in Ondo
state. I condemn those responsible for this
horrific crime. I extend my sympathies to all those
affected”. she said in a social media post.
Former Ondo State Governor Condemns The Attack:
Former Ondo State governor, Olusegun Mimiko, took to his Facebook page to give his condolence to the families of the victims and also condemn the act.
His statement read:
“The senseless attack on unarmed worshippers at St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, in Ondo state, on Sunday morning, is a condemnable act and it assaults our humanity and bludgeons our sensibilities.”
“I commiserate with the families of the victims. I have placed a call through to the Olowo to commiserate with him and the good people of Owo kingdom on the huge loss recorded from the attack.”
Nollywood Actor, Richard Mofe Damijo Reacts:
As more and more people were reacting, Nollywood veteran actor Richard Mode Damijo, also took to his Instagram page, to react to the killing.
His statement read:
”Our sanity is once again tested in our motherland. The terrible incident that happened in owo, Ondo state has left us heartbroken and devastated.
The insecurity in this country has shown us how fragile we all are.
God’s sanctuary was desecrated as owo cried blood yesterday. May the wounded be healed. May souls of the dearly departed find rest. May those left bereft, find solace.
While you and I continue to hope and pray that Nigeria doesn’t happen to us”.
READ MORE: Ooni of Ife Speaks on Owo Terrorist Attack, Says The People Are Ready to Defend Themselves
Mikel Obi Reacts:
Former Eagles captain, Mikel Obi took to his social media and wrote:
“It is sad to hear about the horrible incident that happened in Owo Ondo State.
My heart goes out to the families that lost their loved ones to this very very sad incident. May God heal our land and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss”.
Ooni Of Ife Goes On Defense:
As a ripple effect of the vicious attack, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, goes on defense mode. He said that despite the peace-loving nature of the Yoruba people, they are capable and ready to defend themselves against “external invaders.”
In a statement that he posted of social media, he said,
“What occurred yesterday was a gruesome massacre dastardly targeted at turning Yorubaland to a war zone. However, we the descendants of Oduduwa although peace loving, cannot be overrun in our own homes, do not be mistaken we have the capacity and are prepared and ready to defend ourselves against all external invaders.
We should all be reminded that yesterday made it exactly one year when an invading gang of killer herdsmen killed at least over 20 people in Igangan, Ibarapa North local government of Oyo State on a Saturday night, leaving several houses, the palace of the Asiganga burnt in the attack, whilst people were asleep. Exactly a year ago!
When calamities like this befall us without a single trace, the interpretation is that the intelligence unit of our country’s security architecture is probably faulty or completely missing.
I implore the six governors across the south west region and their brothers nationwide as well as the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, to live up to their oaths of securing Nigerians and ensuring safety for all citizens irrespective of their age, sex, religion or tribe.
Rather than discouraging us, this will rather strengthen us especially in our resolve to deploy manpower, resources and technology towards the protection of lives and properties. I’m consulting with Traditional rulers across the south-west alongside the governors across the southwest to come up with concrete plans to safe guard our people. We have deep obligations to them in the face of inadequate state security challenges that are threatening the fabric of our existence.
To my brother the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, and the entire Owo kingdom, to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to the Ondo State Government, to the people of Owo, to the Priest and parishioners of St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa, Owo, to the families of all the victims, and the entire people of Ondo State, it is my prayer that Olodumare will comfort you all and give you peace in these trying time“
The Owo Monarch Blames The Federal Government:
The paramount king of Owo, Ondo State, the Olijebu of Ijebu-Owo, Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo Ojomo has related his strong opinion about the Owo massacre. He says that the federal government is to blame for the ongoing terror attacks across the country.
He said, “The government does not value people’s security, as seen by gunmen’s audacity in committing mindless attacks on helpless citizens.”
“We have less than 300 policemen to police activities here in Owo. The security of our people does not mean anything to the present administration. They are just waiting for the administration to end without any solution insight”.
Final Thoughts
This tragic event shook the whole of Nigeria, Africa and event the world at large. It was a rude awakening of the insecurity and lawlessness that Nigeria has been infested with.
Who would have thought that they or any of their r loved ones would be shot in a peaceful house of worship?
We urge Nigerian to be vigilant, and though the Owo massacre is one of the most unforgettable cases of insecurity, especially in 2022, there surely has been many other unfortunate cases.
