Owo massacre: FG jumped to conclusion on identity of attackers – Akeredolu

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has said the federal government was hasty in its identification of the attackers of St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.

On Sunday June 5, at least 40 worshippers were killed and many injured when gunmen opened fire at the church.

Recall that the Federal Government had linked the killings to the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP).

But speaking when he featured on Channels Television programme on Monday, Akeredolu disagree with the federal government over its position on the incident, saying such conclusion was too early.

He had said, “The statement by the Federal Government is too hasty. I take their conclusion with a pinch of salt. ISWAP doesn’t hide its attack. 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,” he had said.

“I reacted to that almost immediately because I asked what evidence they have, the governor. It is important to let us know because the security agencies were too quick to jump to the conclusion that it was done by ISWAP.

“But whatever it is, we stand by the position that it’s a trilogy that is operating in our forests and causing havoc. We just have herdsmen right in front, followed by these bandits, and again ISWAP; so, the three of them work together and they work separately.”.