Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has said that the Federal Government pronouncement of ISWAP as the terrorist group responsible for the June 5, 2022 Owo terror attack, was too hasty.
Governor Akeredolu noted that he took the conclusion with a pinch of salt, adding that ISWAP are known to take responsibility for their attacks.
A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde explained that the Governor spoke on Friday during a zoom interaction with a Swiss-based Christian human rights organisation, Christian Solidarity International (CSI).
He said: ”The statement is too hasty. I take their conclusion with a pinch of salt. ISWAP don’t hide their attacks. If they have done it, they would have owned up. We are yet to know their identity and our security people are still on their trail.”
ALSO READ Security Agency, Olowo’s Palace Deny Arrests of Perpetrators on Ondo Church Attack
Governor Akeredolu, who said the attack was a crime against humanity, stressed that the Southwest region has been a peace haven before the horrific attack.
He said despite the attack on the psyche of the people, the people of the state are indomitable and ready to fight insecurity.
Governor Akeredolu disclosed that government is determined to help the Victims of the attack, particularly those who lost their loved ones and those on admission in the hospital.
“We are helping the victims of the attack. Including those who lost their loved ones and those who are in the hospitals. We have also have people who have offered the state government some assistance. Some people have donated to the Catholic”, he said.
The Governor also reiterated the call for state police, noting that the time for state police is now.
He emphasised that the present security architecture in the country can not provide adequate security for lives and property.
“A single police command can not guarantee safety in this country. We must have state police now. Amotekun suffers a lot of limitation in getting all the equipment needed to fight these criminals.
The Governor commended the international community for their prompt reactions on the killings in Owo, saying it was unprecedented.
