There is palpable fear in the ancient town of Owo, Ondo State as suspected bandits have yet again issued a threatening letter detailing an imminent attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo.
It would be recalled that gunmen had attacked this church on Sunday, June 5, 2022 leaving scores of people dead, including the children.
Residents are now living in fear and uncertainty as the cruel bandits have hinted on the certainty of staging a comeback.
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.
Dignitaries expected at the summit include Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami. Justice Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi will chair the event, with Hon. Tope Omolayo, Owo LG Chairman, as Chief Host. The summit committee is chaired by Pastor Olugbenga Olumolawa, and Prof. Taiwo Adenegan will serve as anchor.
All security agencies, traditional rulers, and stakeholders have been invited to develop a unified response to the looming threat.
