Commanders of the Southwest Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps, have stormed Ondo State to review the Owo Catholic church massacre, describing the incident as a direct attack on Yoruba people.
The Heads of Amotekun corps assured the people of the southwest region, that it would synergise towards ensuring that the Owo attack does not occur again in any part of Yorubaland.
The commanders who visited Ondo state include, Ekiti Amotekun, retired General Joe Komolafe from Ekiti state; Retired Colonel Olayinka Olayanju from Oyo state; Retired Commissioner of Police David Ajibola Akinremi from Ogun state and retired Brigadier General Isah Aderibigbe from Osun State as well as the host, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye of Ondo State Amotekun corps.
The Southwest Amotekun Commanders visited the scene of the Owo massacre; the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye; the Deji of Akure and Chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi as well as the Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, where they condoled families of victims and the people of Owo and Ondo State.
Speaking with newsmen, the Chairman of the Amotekun Commanders, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye urged the people of the Southwest to remain calm and support security operatives with necessary information that would make them tackle criminals.
While receiving the Corps Commanders from the Southwest states who came to condole with the state and Christian community in Owo over the gruesome killings, Adeleye said “We are also here, to We express our condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the attack and we pray that Almighty God grant their souls eternal rest.
According to him, “as a team, we are here on a condolence visit over this unfortunate incident and irreparable loss and also, to assess the security situation and proffer our own solution with a view to ensuring that a repeat of this does not happen anywhere in the South West region again.
“We feel very sad about this attack, because these ‘animals’ invaded this ever peaceful town and massacred defenceless worshippers. it is a sad moment for us.
“To Ondo State people, we want to reassure them that the executives of all the western states are determined to continue to ensure your security of lives and property are guaranteed.
“We want you all to be rest assured that even the federal government and all the security agencies are not leaving any stone unturned in apprehending the perpetrators of this dastardly act and ensuring that we prevent a repeat of it”, he stated.
Adeleye who is also the Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Security Matters, appealed to residents to be vigilant, saying security is a business of all, it should not be limited to law enforcement agencies alone.
Adeleye said “We needed information everywhere to assist us in apprehending these people and prevent recurrence of this type of incident”, he said.
He, however, thanked governments of the region for their immense contributions and supports towards ensuring that the Corps respond swiftly and checkmate criminal activities.
Other Commanders who spoke, described the attack a collective will of the Southwest states of Nigeria.
“We want to assure them that we will do everything within our power that they are not just brought to book, but that any other person or group planning similar attack in any part of the south west state, will have us to contend with.
“So we are here on condolence visit and to show solidarity for our leader, the chairman of our group and also, to access the extent of the damages that caused by the dastardly act. From there, we should be able to sit down and do some arithmetic.
“We are here to assure him that we are here for him and we will be ever ready to support him. This is not only an attack on Ondo, it is an attack on the Yoruba race and we the Amotekun will not condone that.
“That is why we have come to see him and give him the courage and wisdom to continue in the good manner he has been securing Ondo State”, they said.
Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade who received the Corps Commanders at his Akure residence, thanked them for the visit and charged them to fish out perpetrators of the ungodly act.
He, however, urged them to work together for the peace, harmony and stability of the South West States.
The Deji of Akure and Chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi who condemned the attack in strong terms, lauded efforts of the Corps in the area of crime prevention which had earned them the confidence and respect of residents.
While praying for the timely arrest of the perpetrators, the monarch assured the Corps of traditional rulers’ supports towards effective discharge of their responsibilities, that Yoruba land may continue to enjoy peace.
Responding, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, commended the Amotekun Commanders for effectively securing the Southwest region.
According to him, you are all trying your best to ensure peace reigns in Yoruba land. We know you have your own challenges. If only the Federal Government would support and allow you carry sophisticated weapons, no crime will be difficult for you to burst’, he said.
Oba Ogunoye appealed to the Federal Government on the need to transform the Amotekun Corps to State Police so as to effectively combat crimes and criminality in the region.
