The Ondo State Government has cancelled this year’s June 12 celebration earlier slated for Sunday 12th June 2022.
This is as a result of the terror attack which claimed about 40 livers and left many other worshippers of the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, on Sunday 5th June 2022.
According to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Saturday, the cancellation is to enable the entire people of Ondo State to mourn their loved ones who lost their lives in the horrific attack.
“In honour of the victims of the terror attack at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, the Ondo State Government has cancelled this year’s June 12 celebration.
The cancellation is to enable the people of Ondo State to mourn their loved ones who lost their lives in the horrific attack,” he said.
Religion Nigeria reported that Akeredolu had directed that all flags in the state be flown at half-mast for seven days in honour of the victims of the terror attack.
In his reaction to the tragic event, Akeredolu said the vile and satanic attack is a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of the Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years.
“It is a black Sunday in Owo. Our hearts are heavy. Our peace and tranquillity have been attacked by the enemies of the people. This is a personal loss, an attack on our dear state.
“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.
“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.
“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,” Akeredolu stated.