Owo attack: Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Lagos declare 3 days of mourning to honour victims

The governments of Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Lagos have declared three-day mourning in honour of the victims of the attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo state.

The church was attacked by gunmen who killed many people.

According to a statement by Olubamiwo Adeosun, secretary to the Oyo state government, the decision is in compliance with the resolution of the south-west governors at the end of a meeting held on June 10.

The states also approved that flags be flown at half-mast from Monday to Wednesday in honour of the slain victims.

According to Adeosun, the governors condemned the attack and resolved to increase surveillance on the activities of undocumented settlers in all the states.

“The governors condemned in very strong terms the horrendous crime perpetrated by terrorists against the people and residents of Owo, Ondo State, and by extension, the peace-loving people of the south-west,” the Oyo SSG said.

“The governors noted, with great discomfiture, the increasing agitations about spaces taken over by unidentified and unknown migrants in all south-west states.

“The governors, as chief security officers, resolved to continue to assist the security agencies in the areas of crisis management and intelligence gathering at all times.

“The governors reviewed reports from various states on the factors militating against peace and security in the region.

“They expressed grave concern on the influx of okada riders into all parts of the south-west, especially the state capitals, and further resolved that efforts be geared toward identity management of okada riders and stringent regulations put in place for their operation.”

She added that the committee will subsequently submit its findings on the desirability of okada operations in the zone, as well as come up with a multi-level template to combat the threat of insurgency and terrorism.

For Lagos, according to a statement by Gbenga Omotoso, commissioner for information, efforts are ongoing to increase in the scope of surveillance of “undocumented settlers”.

“The Governors, as Chief Security Officers, resolved to continue to assist the security agencies in crisis management and intelligence gathering at all times,” the statement reads.

Omotoso added that Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, also urged Lagos residents and visitors to “remain law-abiding and vigilant as the government is doing everything to ensure that peace continues to prevail in the state”.

Yinka Oyebode, chief press secretary to Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti governor, announced the commencement of the three-day morning period on Monday, adding that “flags are to fly at half mast in all public buildings and offices” during the period.

In Osun, Funke Egbemode, commissioner for information, said during the mourning period, “citizens are expected to conduct their affairs in sobriety in honour of our innocent brothers and sisters who were taken down by the attack”.

“Osun State Government, once again, commiserates with all those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate incident and pray for quick recovery for those whose wounds are still being nursed,” she added.

Meanwhile, Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo, also extended the mourning period in the state to Wednesday.

Akeredolu had directed that all flags in the state be flown at half-mast from June 6 to 12.

“Gov. Akeredolu has also directed that all flags in the state must be flown at half-mast for the three days period,” Richard Olatunde, his chief press secretary, said.

Akeredolu had said 40 people were killed in the attack, and 61 victims are currently hospitalised.