The two worshippers abducted last Monday by gunmen at the Celestial Church of Christ, Oshofa, Wasimi, in the Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, have been released.
This was made known by the founder of the church, Sup. Evangelist Oluwatomisin Olugbebi, who confirmed that the victims were released on Saturday.
It had been earlier reported that gunmen, who wore masks and fez caps, invaded the church and abducted the Assistant Shepherd (assistant pastor) of the parish, Oluwaseun Ajose, and a Sunday school teacher, Dagunro Ayobami at a vigil penultimate week.
The gunmen had requested for a ransom of N50m which they later reduced to N10m last Thursday.
On Sunday, the Shepherd in Charge, Superior Evangelist Olugbebi disclosed to newsmen that the church leaders were released after N1m ransom was paid.
He said, “They called on Saturday morning and demanded foodstuffs (rice, beans), cigarettes and gin. They said we should pay N1m for the two of them. I pleaded with them that we didn’t even have up to that, but they said they won’t accept anything less than a million.
“When we heard this, the family of the victims sat on how to get the money and they raised a total of N221,000. Thankfully, well-wishers and other church members balanced it up.
“They did not give a specific location where we should drop the money. They asked to speak to the sister of one of the victims and told her to come to a certain location. When she got there, she called them and they told her to give the phone to the bike rider.
“They told the bike rider their location without disclosing it to her. The bike rider then took her to the location where the money and the requested foodstuffs were dropped. After like 10 minutes, they asked her to come and pick the victims up at the bus stop.”
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Bankole, confirmed the release.
Owo Attack: Ondo State, Church Hold Burial Mass for Victims
- ptl_admin
- . June 19, 2022
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Victims buried amid tears, Memorial Park Promised, Governor Akeredolu, Mimiko, Bishop Kukah, Others Pay Tributes
The State Government and the Catholic Diocese of Ondo on Friday held a burial mass for the victims of the June 5 attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluka, Owo, Ondo State.
The attack by gunmen during mass, claimed at least 40 lives of worshippers while over 80 worshippers are still receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre and St. Louis Hospital, both in Owo.
The service, held at the Mydas Event and Resort, Owo, was attended by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, his wife, Betty, the immediate past Governor of the state, Dr Segun Mimiko and prominent indigenes of the state.
Speaking at the service, Emmanuel Ayo Badejo, the Bishop of Oyo Catholic Diocese, condemned the attack and killing of the worshippers.
Bishop Badejo, while appreciating those who had brought succour to the victims of the attack, described the incident as “sheer brutality and crudeness without any justification.”
While saying that the attack was a total desecration of the body of Christ and humanity, the cleric recounted that the lives of children between the age of two and three were lost in the incident.
According to him, “the church is battered but not down.”
He explained that none of the injured did anything wrong before their sudden death, saying “though they are dead, we have solace that they are in the hands of Jesus Christ.”
The cleric, who read Psalm 22: verse 1-3 and Psalm 42, verse 8-10, said tragedy and sorrow could only prevail if succumbed to it.
He appealed to the Christian faithful “to refuse to be crushed”, noting that “every Christian who died in Christ Jesus has hope in the resurrection.”
Declare war on banditry in Nigeria – Bishop Tells Buhari
He called on the Federal Government and president Buhari to declare war on banditry, and other stakeholders to address, in earnest, “the prevalent brutality and senseless killings across the country.”
He enjoined the country’s leaders to shun discrimination and listen to the cries of the people, noting that the Owo attack might not be the last.
“I call on President Buhari and our leaders in the federal government or state government to wake up, sit up and act up to secure lives and properties all over Nigeria.,” said Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, asking further, “How many more must die? Does life really have any value anymore with you?”
The guest preacher said if the situation was allowed to continue, people might resort to self-defence.
The bishop also appealed to bandits to have a change of heart, repent and embrace good life to build a country of peace and prosperity.
“I am here to accept our failure in securing the victims” -Akeredolu
Speaking during the service, the State Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu reiterated his administration’s commitment to the safety of lives and property of residents.
“What has happened to us in Owo is indescribable, I’m short of words,” he said. “We still have over 70 in the hospital, some have been discharged. I’m here before you to accept a failure of security, we have failed to defend these people.”
He said “We have failed to defend these people. Not because we have not tried. But because these forces on the other side are evil and they have support. They will not triumph over us forever.”
The governor, while condemning the attack, called for the immediate rejig of the country’s security architecture.
The governor announced that the mass burial planned for the victims had been cancelled because some of the victims had been buried, as their families could not wait for the funeral.
“We have just 22 deceased in this hall. A few of them have been buried. Because the relatives couldn’t wait till today. But as at the last count, these animals came to the church and murdered 40 people,” he disclosed.
He said some victims would be buried that Friday, while some would be returned to the morgue.
However, in a swift response, the Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Dr Jude Arogundade replied that Arakunrin Akeredolu had not failed in protecting his people.
The Bishop said: ”You didn’t fail. You are a strong soldier. Your determination to protect those who voted you into power is unquestionable. This was done by cowards. You have tried your best.”
Bishop Arogundade wondered why the people of the country need to beg for state police, despite the endless attack and killings.
He appreciated the governor for accepting to designate a memorial park in honour of the victims, stressing that those who created the situation that made the incident happen have blood on their hands.
The cleric commended the governor for designating a memorial park in honour of the victims, stressing that the killers had blood on their hands.
The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, who was also at the funeral mass, called on Christians in the country to remain strong in the face of growing attacks.
He said, “We remain hopeful about the future of our country which is in the hands of God.
“Where we are now is not Nigeria; we don’t recognise our country any longer but again we have nowhere to turn to except to look up to God. We are prayerfully hoping on the power of God more than any person can talk about. We call on our people to remain strong.”
The expansive hall of the Mydas Resort and Hotel was filled to the brim as families of the victims, people of Owo and other sympathizers thronged the venue of the funeral mass.
The diocese had shared photos of those killed in the attack in the programme for the event.
Some of the relatives of the victims blamed the government for not taking the security of lives and properties of the people seriously.
Other dignitaries at the funeral mass included: Former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Engr. Ade Adetimehin; and Chieftain of the APC , Chief Olusola Oke.
Among the Clerics that were there to honour the victims were Archbishop Adewale Martins, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Catholic Diocese, Bishops of Osogbo, Ijebu Ode, and Abeokuta, members of Christian Association of Nigeria, Anglican Bishops, among others.
Others who were there to honour the deceased were the Chief Imam of Yorubaland from Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulraheem Aduramigba, members of Muslim Communities, as well as representatives of traditional worshipers.
Thanks for reading this. Please like it, comment and share this story. Also follow Julius Adegunna, and PTL News on our Social Media handles or call 234-8033260387, 8120969883. If you have been blessed by our website, you are free to bless us in return. Reach out to the Publisher for donations and supports. God bless you.
Tags:Arakunrin
Owo Attack: Ondo State, Church Hold Burial Mass for Victims
- ptl_admin
- . June 19, 2022
- 20 Views
- Shares0
Victims buried amid tears, Memorial Park Promised, Governor Akeredolu, Mimiko, Bishop Kukah, Others Pay Tributes
The State Government and the Catholic Diocese of Ondo on Friday held a burial mass for the victims of the June 5 attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluka, Owo, Ondo State.
The attack by gunmen during mass, claimed at least 40 lives of worshippers while over 80 worshippers are still receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre and St. Louis Hospital, both in Owo.
The service, held at the Mydas Event and Resort, Owo, was attended by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, his wife, Betty, the immediate past Governor of the state, Dr Segun Mimiko and prominent indigenes of the state.
Speaking at the service, Emmanuel Ayo Badejo, the Bishop of Oyo Catholic Diocese, condemned the attack and killing of the worshippers.
Bishop Badejo, while appreciating those who had brought succour to the victims of the attack, described the incident as “sheer brutality and crudeness without any justification.”
While saying that the attack was a total desecration of the body of Christ and humanity, the cleric recounted that the lives of children between the age of two and three were lost in the incident.
According to him, “the church is battered but not down.”
He explained that none of the injured did anything wrong before their sudden death, saying “though they are dead, we have solace that they are in the hands of Jesus Christ.”
The cleric, who read Psalm 22: verse 1-3 and Psalm 42, verse 8-10, said tragedy and sorrow could only prevail if succumbed to it.
He appealed to the Christian faithful “to refuse to be crushed”, noting that “every Christian who died in Christ Jesus has hope in the resurrection.”
Declare war on banditry in Nigeria – Bishop Tells Buhari
He called on the Federal Government and president Buhari to declare war on banditry, and other stakeholders to address, in earnest, “the prevalent brutality and senseless killings across the country.”
He enjoined the country’s leaders to shun discrimination and listen to the cries of the people, noting that the Owo attack might not be the last.
“I call on President Buhari and our leaders in the federal government or state government to wake up, sit up and act up to secure lives and properties all over Nigeria.,” said Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, asking further, “How many more must die? Does life really have any value anymore with you?”
The guest preacher said if the situation was allowed to continue, people might resort to self-defence.
The bishop also appealed to bandits to have a change of heart, repent and embrace good life to build a country of peace and prosperity.
“I am here to accept our failure in securing the victims” -Akeredolu
Speaking during the service, the State Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu reiterated his administration’s commitment to the safety of lives and property of residents.
“What has happened to us in Owo is indescribable, I’m short of words,” he said. “We still have over 70 in the hospital, some have been discharged. I’m here before you to accept a failure of security, we have failed to defend these people.”
He said “We have failed to defend these people. Not because we have not tried. But because these forces on the other side are evil and they have support. They will not triumph over us forever.”
The governor, while condemning the attack, called for the immediate rejig of the country’s security architecture.
The governor announced that the mass burial planned for the victims had been cancelled because some of the victims had been buried, as their families could not wait for the funeral.
“We have just 22 deceased in this hall. A few of them have been buried. Because the relatives couldn’t wait till today. But as at the last count, these animals came to the church and murdered 40 people,” he disclosed.
He said some victims would be buried that Friday, while some would be returned to the morgue.
However, in a swift response, the Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Dr Jude Arogundade replied that Arakunrin Akeredolu had not failed in protecting his people.
The Bishop said: ”You didn’t fail. You are a strong soldier. Your determination to protect those who voted you into power is unquestionable. This was done by cowards. You have tried your best.”
Bishop Arogundade wondered why the people of the country need to beg for state police, despite the endless attack and killings.
He appreciated the governor for accepting to designate a memorial park in honour of the victims, stressing that those who created the situation that made the incident happen have blood on their hands.
The cleric commended the governor for designating a memorial park in honour of the victims, stressing that the killers had blood on their hands.
The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, who was also at the funeral mass, called on Christians in the country to remain strong in the face of growing attacks.
He said, “We remain hopeful about the future of our country which is in the hands of God.
“Where we are now is not Nigeria; we don’t recognise our country any longer but again we have nowhere to turn to except to look up to God. We are prayerfully hoping on the power of God more than any person can talk about. We call on our people to remain strong.”
The expansive hall of the Mydas Resort and Hotel was filled to the brim as families of the victims, people of Owo and other sympathizers thronged the venue of the funeral mass.
The diocese had shared photos of those killed in the attack in the programme for the event.
Some of the relatives of the victims blamed the government for not taking the security of lives and properties of the people seriously.
Other dignitaries at the funeral mass included: Former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Engr. Ade Adetimehin; and Chieftain of the APC , Chief Olusola Oke.
Among the Clerics that were there to honour the victims were Archbishop Adewale Martins, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Catholic Diocese, Bishops of Osogbo, Ijebu Ode, and Abeokuta, members of Christian Association of Nigeria, Anglican Bishops, among others.
Others who were there to honour the deceased were the Chief Imam of Yorubaland from Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulraheem Aduramigba, members of Muslim Communities, as well as representatives of traditional worshipers.
Thanks for reading this. Please like it, comment and share this story. Also follow Julius Adegunna, and PTL News on our Social Media handles or call 234-8033260387, 8120969883. If you have been blessed by our website, you are free to bless us in return. Reach out to the Publisher for donations and supports. God bless you.
Tags:Arakunrin
