The Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu Aketi, has condemned the gruesome m-urder of worshipers by gunmen at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo.

Gunmen had invaded the church on Pentecost Sunday, June 5, ki-lling and injuring scores of worshipers who were observing mass.

Governor Akeredolu had arrived the scene from Abuja and subsequently went to visit injured victims hospitalized at Federal Medical Centre (FMC).

Reacting to the attack, the governor said;

“It is a black Sunday in Owo. Our hearts are heavy. Our peace and tranquility 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.

“I urge our people to remain calm and vigilant. Do not take laws into your hands. I have spoken to the heads of the security agencies. I have equally been assured that security operatives would be deployed to monitor and restore normalcy to Owo kingdom.”

WATCH VIDEO: