A socio-cultural association, Owo is One, on Monday, 5th June, 2023 marks the first anniversary of the horrific massacre of innocent people in the ancient city of Owo, Ondo State by suspected terrorists.
In a statement signed by Chief Akinboro Aruwajoye, National Coordinator of the association and made available to journalists by its Head Media, Olatunbosun Oladimeji, the association said that the killing of more than 50 worshippers at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa street, Owo was a dastardly murder of innocent citizens, which can be regarded as a sad, dark blot on the integrity of the people in the community, adding that this would be difficult to forget.
“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 a people thank everyone, particularly the then President of our country, Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari, the newly elected President, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our son and Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, various 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 one-minute silence.
.
“We as people 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 dak days of history. Owo will not be conquered,” Aruwajoye said.