Owo massacre: Community leader calls for upgrade of security architecture

From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure

A prominent businessman and community leader in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Dr. Olayinka Osho, has called for the upgrade of the nation’s security architecture, in order to avert reoccurrence of the Owo massacre.

He said this in a statement issued to mark the  one year remembrance of those who lost their lives in last year’s attack on St Francis Catholic church, Owo. He said the unforgettable attack could be described as a dastardly killing of innocent lives, which was cruel, disturbing and portrayed the nation in bad light. He further stressed that the only solution to the security challenges facing the country is to upgrade the security architecture and encourage the establishment of state and community policing.

While appreciating the efforts of the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, during and after the attack, Osho said the monarch has been supportive to the church and the entire community. He, therefore, urged other community leaders to be committed to the safety of life and property of their people.

The community leader also hailed the appointment of the monarch as the Chancellor of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Bubara, Jigawa State, stressing that his experience would be deployed for the upgrade of the university.

Commending the Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, for his timely intervention during and after the massacre by ensuring that the victims were properly taken care of, Osho said the people of the state should pray for the governor’s quick recovery, for him to continue with his assignments.

Osho also prayed for those who lost their lives in the attack that God grants their families the strength to bear the loss.