There was no Democracy Day celebration in Ondo state as Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state cancelled the celebration following the attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo last Sunday.
In a statement released by Richard Olatunde, Chief Press Secretary on Saturday, June 11 2022, the governor said the cancellation is to enable the people of Ondo to mourn their loved ones who lost their lives in the horrific attack. Governor Akeredolu had also directed that all flags in the state be flown at half-mast for seven days to honor the victims of the terror attack.
Responding to Federal Government’s allegations that the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) was behind the attack at St Francis Catholic Church, Akeredolu said it was a hasty conclusion. He made this known in a zoom interaction with a Swiss based Christian Human Rights Organisation, Christian Solidarity International, (CSI), he said he took their conclusion with a pinch of salt as ISWAP does not hide their attacks and would have owned up if they did it. He said that they are yet to identify the people behind the attack and the security people are still on their trail.
Akeredolu maintained that his government is determined to help the victims of the attack and appreciated the people who have offered aid and assistance to the state.
The governor also reiterated the need for state police as a single police command cannot guarantee safety in the country. He also decried the limitations that have derailed them from getting equipment needed for Amotekun to fight criminals.
