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By Bolaji Okunola
A socio-cultural association, Owo is One, on Monday, 5th June, 2023 marks the first remembrance of the horrific massacre of more than fifty worshipers at St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State by suspected terrorists.
Going by the statement signed by National Coordination of the group, Akinboro Aruwajoye, the unforgettable massacre was described a dastardly murder of innocent citizens, which can be regarded as a sad, dark blot on the integrity of the people in the community and Nigeria at large.
“The pain of the awful day, the stains of the blood spilled, the suffering of the injured and the dislocations in the lives of the loved ones left behind remain with us. Today, the memory of the sad day comes back in a flurry, we refuse to be intimidated, rather we stand united and remind ourselves that the eternal prize of security is vigilance.
“We pray the souls of the departed rest in the bosom of the Lord. We salute the courage of the survivors and condole again the loved ones left behind.
“We as an association thank everyone, particularly the then President of our country, Muhammadu Buhari, the current topmost citizen, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, neighboring countries, corporate bodies, notable Nigerian citizens and non governmental organisations that went through this dark period with us to condemn, condole and give financial support to bury the dead and the grief ones among the victims.
“At noon today, we implore all Owo sons, daughters, residents and well wishers to observe a minute silence.
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“We refuse to be cowed. We stand together to condemn evil and remain united to grow a better society where our people can pursue their dreams and achieve the best of their possibilities.
“Till date, the perpetrators have not been brought to book.
“To this, we appeal to the security agencies to do more on this to bring the evil ones to book through the judicial process. We call on the government to do everything to fish out and bring to book these sadist criminals. Owo was never conquered even in the dark days of history. Owo will not be conquered,” Aruwajoye said.
