OODUA Progressive Care initiative (OPCI), has strongly condemned the unwarranted massacre of innocent worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo in Ondo State last Sunday.
A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the OPCI, Chief Commander Chris Egharevba, said: “The senseless, unwarranted and unprovoked attack by Fulani terrorists which left over 50 worshippers dead and scores fatally injured is definitely off limit.
“The church or mosque is supposed to be the safest haven for any worshiper who appears to be in danger, and for criminals and terrorists to carry out the heinous crime inside the church thereby desecrating the House of God is certainly unacceptable.
“Protection of lives and properties is supposed to be the primary responsibility of any government. On this premise and basedpn our strong belief in the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in the country, we appeal to the authorities concerned to ensure that they fish out the murderous criminals with professional incisive skills they are noted for.
“At a critical time in our history, when our collective units is seriously threatened, we expect the government to go the whole hog on unraveling those behind the gruesome murder of the innocent worshippers.
“While we seriously condemn the terrorists attack on very clear terms, we commiserate with the families of those who killed in the unprovoked attack.
“More so, we call on all Yoruba across the country to beef up the Yoruba self defence security mechanisms as Owo attack can be used as test of ground for these terrorists.
“It is never a hidden fact that Yoruba land has been surrounded NY Fulani herdsmen and our leaders see nothing wrong on it because of their political ambition’s or what they are now benefiting from the central government.”