It was a tragic Sunday when gunmen attacked St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State and left no fewer than 50 people dead and many injured, according to a report by the Nigerian Tribune.
According to the said report, the injured have been reportedly taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo for medical attention.
The news has elicited reactions from popular celebrities such as Falz, Davido, Toyin Abraham, Mr Macaroni and others who have not only condemned the attack, but prayed for the souls of the departed and the recovery of the survivors who were receiving treatment. Each of them spoke of it (the attack) on their social media platforms. Singer Falz, on his Instagram page posted a black screen and wrote: “So many different emotions, but mostly anger and absolute frustration. Sick to my stomach .” ending it with a broken heart emoji.
Another singer, Davido on his Twitter post called on his fans to pray as he wrote: “Jesus take control …. Pray for Nigeria Rip to all the lost souls #Prayforondo.”
Comedian and Skit maker, Mr Macaroni expressed his frustration on his page and wondered why people are taking other people’s lives: “How can you just kill people like this ??? How???? Like their lives mean nothing!! What should happen to their families?? Their loved ones, friends, colleagues?? What has happened to the right of every citizen to life? There is no justification for this madness!!!!”
Actress Toyin Abraham shared a black screen and ended it with praying emojis signifying it as a black Sunday.
Singer/Songwriter, Johnny Drille wrote “Those people that were killed left their homes this morning never even slightly imagining that this was going to happen to them.This country, this place is getting scarier everyday’’.
Few hours after the attack , the governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu condemned the attack and vowed that those responsible for the attack will be hunted down and pay for their crime. A statement by the chief press secretary to the governor, Richard Olatunde, on Sunday, further quoted Governor Akeredolu as saying that, “The vile and satanic attack is a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years. “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 resolve to rid our state of criminals. “I commiserate with my people in Owo, particularly families of 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.”