The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has donated N50 million to the victims of the massacre on Sunday at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Chairman of the NGF and Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi made the donation when he paid a visit to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu at the Government House on Monday in Akure.

“My colleagues in the Governors Forum have asked me to donate N50 million to the Catholic Church to ameliorate the condition of the families of the victims. This is a crime against humanity.” Mr Fayemi said.

Mr Fayemi, who described the attack as least expected, stated that Owo had been a very peaceful environment.

“It is a serious and unusual attack on the people who can’t go out and farm or worship God in peace. We are all shocked.

“Just like the governor said, these people shall not go unpunished. They will be hunted down and brought to book. But this cannot save the lives that have been lost or save the wounded from discomfort.

“As leaders of the people, we will redouble our efforts. This is happening across the country, and we are concerned. We know how troubled you will be. And we know that this is something that troubles our minds.”

Mr Fayemi was accompanied by a former governor of Ogun State and senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Ibikunle Amosun.

They were later led by Mr Akeredolu to the residence of the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Jude Arogundade, before moving to Owo to commiserate with the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye in his palace.

Mr Arogundade described the attack as evil, urging the governors to ensure that those behind the killing and their sponsors were brought to book.

“This cannot happen without the backing of some powerful people. Those behind this no matter how powerful they are must be brought to book.

“How are we presenting ourselves as primitive? Ondo state doesn’t deserve this. Humanity doesn’t deserve this. This doesn’t present us well. People are laughing at us,” Mr Arogundade said.

At the palace of Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, the Olowo of Owo, Mr Fayemi commiserated with the people of Owo and the Olowo over the ugly incident.

Mr Akeredolu later led the visitors to the St Louis hospital in Owo, where some survivors received medical attention. 

(NAN)