Just three years after attendees were brutally killed, suspected gunmen have threatened Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo state, once more.
Following the development, the historic town has been engulfed in terror and worry. Remember how on June 5, 2022, unidentified shooters broke into the church during morning Mass, killing and wounding both young and elderly worshippers?
As a result, the Olowo of Owo, the traditional ruler of the ancient town, security meeting has been called by Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye in an effort to reduce tension and address the town’s growing insecurity.
This was confirmed to Vanguard in Akure, the state capital, by Olatunbosun Oladimeji, the Owo Security Summit Committee’s publicity secretary.
Oladimeji, said the maiden edition of the Owo Security Summit, themed “Securing Owo and its Environ: Strategies for Community Safety and Resilience,” will be held on Monday – May 26.
He said that the summit was aims to raise awareness about community security, foster cooperation between residents and law enforcement, reduce crime, and propose sustainable security initiatives.
“A key objective is to establish a Security Trust Fund to support long-term efforts.
Oladimeji said “recent incidents, including the bandits’ renewed threat and several kidnappings, have significantly affected the socio-economic life of the people, making proactive security measures imperative.
According to him dignitaries expected at the summit include Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami. Justice Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi will chair the event, with Hon. Tope Omolayo, Owo LG Chairman, as Chief Host. The summit committee is chaired by Pastor Olugbenga Olumolawa, and Prof. Taiwo Adenegan will serve as anchor.
He added that ” All security agencies, traditional rulers, and stakeholders have been invited to develop a unified response to the looming threat.
It’s very concerning when violence or threats target places of worship and communities of faith. Such actions can stem from various motives, including misunderstanding, prejudice, political conflicts, or other societal issues.
Threatening or harming religious institutions undermines peace, safety, and the core values of compassion and respect that many faiths promote.
It’s important for communities, authorities, and individuals to work together to promote tolerance, protect religious freedom, and ensure that everyone can worship and gather safely without fear of violence.
Live with Purpose, Love with Passion. Remember to be happy
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Rose Ajieh
