Owo security summit holds today amid threat
Ondo State Police Command has deployed operational assets to Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Council of Ondo State, to secure religious institutions in the community amid threats by bandits to attack a church in the ancient town.
According to the Commissioner of Police in the state, Wilfred Afolabi, surveillance and patrol activities had been intensified to forestall any potential attack, with assurance to the public of optimal safety.
It would be recalled that unknown assailants were said to have, in a letter addressed to St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, vowed to carry out a strike “soon”, with no specific timeline stipulated.
The ancient community is still reeling from the June 5, 2022, Pentecost Sunday attack, where gunmen stormed the church, killing 41 worshippers and injuring 69 others.
The tragic incident, one of Nigeria’s deadliest acts of violence against a religious institution, left scars on Owo residents, many of whom remain fearful amid incessant insecurity in parts of the state and country.
Afolabi, in a statement issued by the police image maker in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, urged members of the public to promptly report any suspicious movement or activities noticed within their vicinity.
Meanwhile, the security challenges plaguing the council and its environs will today return to the front burner as stakeholders will converge on the town to find a lasting solution.
A maiden Owo Security Summit, themed, ‘Securing Owo and its environs: Strategies for community safety and resilience,’ will take place at the Prof. Abubakar Rasheed Auditorium of Achievers University in Owo, starting from 9:00 a.m.
According to a statement by Publicity Secretary of the committee, Olatunbosun Oladimeji, the event will feature distinguished guests, including Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa and his Deputy, Dr Olayide Owolabi Adelami.
Justice Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi (rtd) will chair the summit, while the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegeshin Ogunoye III, will lead the royal fathers, among others.
