In response to the gruesome murder attack that left scores dead on Sunday, the United States (US) has issued out a statement to condole with Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State over the last Sunday terrorist attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa Street, Owo.
Africa Today News, New York recalls that no fewer than 40 persons out of the 127 involved in the attack were killed, leaving 61 survivors currently on admission in different hospitals and 26 already discharged.
Richard Olatunde, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, made this known in a statement on Thursday.
He explained that the condolence was contained in a letter to Akeredolu, dated June 7, 2022 and signed by the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard.
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Olatunde said that the U.S. extended its heartfelt condolences to the people of the state and the Owo community.
He said the U.S. condemned the attack and expressed its concern over the growing pattern of violence that afflicts communities across the country.
“On behalf of the U.S. and the staff of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to you, Ondo State, and the Owo community for the horrific event and lives lost at the St. Francis Catholic Church on Sunday.
“This tragedy saddens us deeply and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families during this difficult time.
“We remain steadfast in our efforts to support Nigeria in enhancing civilian security throughout the country.
“Once again, please accept our deepest condolences,” the letter read.
In another report, the Federal Government of Nigeria on Thursday has issued out a statement that shows that it has located the footprint of the Islamic State, West African Province, ISWAP who are allegedly the masterminds behind the Sunday attack of St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, in Ondo state that led to the death of about 38 persons.
The Government also said that no arrest has been made on the kidnap of the Methodist Prelate, Samuel Kanu-Uche and two other priests.
This is as the Nigerian Police said it was deploying 17, 374 officers and men for the governorship election in Ekiti.
Briefing State House correspondents at the end of Security Council meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, flanked by the Inspector General of Police Alkali Baba Usman, said that the Owo Catholic Church attack was perpetrated by international criminals.
Ogbeni Aregbesola, who said that no arrest has been made, further said that the security agencies had been directed to go after the perpetrators of the act and bring them to justice, adding that the security was now zeroing in on them.
He noted that the attack has no ethnic-religious connection as he affirmed that the group activity has nothing to do with real religion.
According to Aregbesola, the motive of the terror group is believed to be pitching Nigerians against each another and make it appear as ethno-religious war.