Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Saturday praised the federal government and the State Security Service (SSS) for prosecuting the suspects of the Owo Catholic Church massacre.

The governor revealed that security agencies, through a collaboration between the federal and state governments, had arrested suspects linked to the attack.

Mr Aiyedatiwa said this at the 15th Episcopal Anniversary and 35th Priestly Ordination Anniversary of the Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Rev. Jude Arogundade, in Aku.

The governor, who said the suspects were now being prosecuted by the SSS, vowed that his administration would not relent in the pursuit of justice for victims of the Owo massacre.

Forty worshippers were killed on June 5, 2022, when gunmen attacked the Sunday service of St. Francis Catholic Church in the Owo Local Government Area of the state.

“As we continue to seek justice for them, let us stand together against terror’s might and other forms of criminality,” he said.

The governor also stated that his administration continues to invest heavily in security infrastructure.

“We recently purchased 75 Hilux vehicles equipped with modern security gadgets to strengthen the operations of security agencies in the state.

“The combined effect of this collaboration is the wide acknowledgement of Ondo State as one of the most secure and safest in Nigeria.

“While our people carry on their daily businesses with a sense of safety, it has also translated to massive investors coming to do business in Ondo State,” he said.

The governor described Mr Arogundade as a beacon of hope and an embodiment of peace, justice, and human dignity.

Mr Aiyedatiwa praised the Catholic Church for its significant contributions to education, healthcare, and social development in the state.

In his remarks, Mr Arogundade expressed appreciation to the people and government for the return of missionary schools to the church.

He thanked the governor for personally gracing the event and promised that the church would continue to offer prayers and support for his administration.

Mr Aiyedatiwa also inaugurated a new multipurpose hall at the church, joining the priests and dignitaries on a tour of the facilities within the building.

(NAN)