Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has condemned in strong terms the Sunday invasion of St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State by suspected assailants who willfully attacked the worshippers, killing many of them and leaving others wounded.
In a statement by Governor Uzodimma’s Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Oguwike Nwachuku, the Governor said it was disheartening that the ugly incident took place in the House of God on Pentecost Sunday, a day Christians cherish so much on account of the visitation of the Holy Spirit on Christians.
Governor Uzodimma commiserated the leadership of the Catholic Church in Owo, the government and people of Ondo State as well as the families of the victims ( both dead and wounded), and urged all to work in partnership to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act so that they will face justice.
The Governor said that terrorism and banditry have become a big threat to lives and property of the citizenry and suggested that concerted efforts be made through collaboration of well meaning Nigerians to stamp out the evil.
While calling on the security agencies to go after the assailants without delay, Governor Uzodimma said that those who invaded the Church while the service was in progress were enemies of the people and must not be condoned.
“The attack was evil, dastard and sacrilegious in all ramifications,” Governor Uzodimma noted.
He specifically commiserated with the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade and all Catholics and urged them not to lose faith in the Supremacy of God and His ability to expose the agents of death that visited them.
“Your faith is further challenged and tested. You must not lose hope in God Almighty and the time to pray fervently is now,” Governor Uzodimma noted.