According to a report by New Telegraph, nearly three years after the tragic attack on Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, suspected bandits have issued a new threat against the same church in Ondo State.
On June 5, 2022, gunmen stormed the church during service, resulting in the deaths and injuries of numerous worshippers. Now, the community is on edge once again following the receipt of a threatening letter from the suspected bandits, raising fears of a repeat attack.
In response, the Owo community, under the leadership of the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, has organized a security summit to address the escalating insecurity in the area.
As stated by the summit’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bosun Oladimeji, the inaugural Owo Security Summit, themed “Securing Owo and its Environs: Strategies for Community Safety and Resilience,” is scheduled to take place next week.
The summit 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 security efforts.
Oladimeji noted that recent incidents, including the renewed threats from bandits and several kidnappings, have significantly impacted the socio-economic well-being of the community, making proactive security measures imperative.
Dignitaries expected to attend 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, the Owo LG Chairman, serving as Chief Host. The summit committee is chaired by Pastor Olugbenga Olumolawa, with Prof. Taiwo Adenegan as the anchor.
All security agencies, traditional rulers, and stakeholders have been invited to collaborate on a unified response to the looming threat.
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