Akintoye Reacts As Gunmen Kill Worshippers In Ondo Church

The leader of the umbrella body of Yoruba self-determination groups, Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, Professor Banji Akintoye, has condemned the attack on a Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

Naija News earlier reported that some unknown gunmen blew up St Francis Catholic Church in Owa-luwa Street in Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of the state.

The gunmen then shot many worshippers dead with several others severely injured during the attack.

Reacting to the massacre, Akintoye said the attack on the church and killing of many worshippers shows that some people have declared war on the Yoruba race.

The Ilana Omo Oodua leader stated that the attack by herdsmen shows that the people of the South West region are now in real danger.

He disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the Communications Secretary of Ilana Omo Oodua, Maxwell Adeleye.

Akintoye, however, urged Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State to immediately declare an emergency against the activities of all Fulani herdsmen in the state.

The statement reads in part: “Today, we have all been encircled, most especially, in Lagos. For Herdsmen to have the effrontery of bombarding a Church in Yoruba Land to kill about 85 people shows that we are now in real danger.

“My urgent advise to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu is to pick up the gauntlet and declare an emergency against the activities of all Fulani Herdsmen in the state with immediate effect.”