Suspected bandits have issued another threat to Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owo, in Ondo State almost there years after they perpetrated the tragic attack on the church, killing many worshippers.
On June 5, 2022, the gunmen stormed the church during Sunday service, killing and injuring numerous worshippers.
The community is now on edge again after receiving a new letter from suspected bandits, threatening a repeat attack.
In response, the Owo community, led by the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, has convened a security summit to address the rising insecurity in the area.
According to the summit’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bosun Oladimeji, the maiden edition of the Owo Security Summit, themed “Securing Owo and its Environ: Strategies for Community Safety and Resilience,” will be held next week.
The summit aims to raise awareness about community security, foster cooperation between residents and law enforcement, reduce crime, and propose sustainable security initiatives.
A key objective is to establish a Security Trust Fund to support long-term efforts.
Oladimeji said recent incidents, including the bandits’ renewed threat and several kidnappings, have significantly affected the socio-economic life of the people, making proactive security measures imperative.
All security agencies, traditional rulers, and stakeholders have been invited to develop a unified response to the looming threat.
