NEWS
Ondo Govt Pledges Ongoing Support To Families Of Owo Attack Victims
The Ondo State Government has expressed its commitment to providing ongoing support to the families affected by the tragic gunmen attack that took place on June 5, 2022, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo which resulted in the loss of 41 lives and numerous injuries.
In remembrance of the victims who lost their lives within the church premises, a memorial park was inaugurated.
On Saturday, the State’s Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, along with other members of the state executive council, attended a memorial mass held at the church in Owo.
During the service, Aiyedatiwa acknowledged that the day held a mix of emotions, as people still vividly recalled the loss of their friends and loved ones during the attack.
He further stated that the incident marked a somber and tragic day for the people of Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole.
In his address, the State’s Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, expressed gratitude towards Governor Rotimi Akeredolu for his unwavering support and efforts on behalf of the victims and survivors.
Aiyedatiwa shared that each survivor had received a total of N500,000, distributed in two installments.
He emphasized that the Ondo State Government had taken care of all the medical expenses incurred by the injured individuals, expressing his gratitude to all those who contributed and donated in various ways to support the victims during their recovery.
He said “It was indeed a black Sunday for us in Ondo State. The unfortunate incident happened when they were doing one of the things the Lord has mandated us to do – worship him.
“We commiserate with those that have lost their loved ones. They are saints of the Lord now. We need to get closer to God and fulfill His purpose.
“Ondo Government since this incident happened have done so much in a way to support the families of those who have lost their loved ones. We appreciate the governor for all he has done on this disaster”, he added.
Aiyedatiwa assured the public that the state government would remain dedicated to safeguarding and supporting all individuals, regardless of their tribe or religion, emphasizing that the government valued and prioritized the lives and dignity of every human being.
During his homily, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, conveyed that the purpose of the gathering was not to rekindle anger but to demonstrate to the world how the victims had found healing through their faith in Christ.
Arogundade urged the government to fulfill its responsibilities by taking decisive action against the perpetrators of the heinous act.
He also emphasized the need for introspection and self-reflection as a means to advance the progress of Nigeria as a nation.
The bishop reaffirmed that the unwavering love of Christ would prevail over any malicious intentions, emphasizing that the Ondo State Government had fulfilled its duty towards the victims, just as any responsible government would have done in a similar situation.
He appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that the culprits responsible for the attack were identified and held accountable.
Mrs. Jumoke Veronica, who tragically lost her mother in the attack, shared that life had drastically changed for her since the incident occurred.
A helicopter carrying President Ebrahim Raisi yencountered a “hard landing” on Sunday.
According to report, the incident took place near Jolfa, a city situated on the border with Azerbaijan, within Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, approximately 600 kilometers northwest of Tehran.
However, details regarding the incident were not disclosed.
The Associated Press noted uncertainty regarding whether bh Raisi was onboard the helicopter during the incident.
Despite rescue efforts, adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain and wind, have hindered access to the site, according to state TV.
Before the helicopter incident, President Ebrahim Raisi had been in Azerbaijan on Sunday to participate in the inauguration of a dam alongside Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.
This dam marks the third joint construction project between the two nations on the Aras River.
Despite Iran’s diverse helicopter fleet, obtaining parts is hindered by international sanctions, with much of its military air fleet dating back to pre-1979 Islamic Revolution era.
Raisi, aged 63, is known for his hard-line stance and previously served as the country’s judiciary leader.
Considered a protégé of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, some analysts speculate that Raisi could succeed the 85-year-old leader in the event of his resignation or demise.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military prevented an attempted coup on Sunday near President Felix Tshisekedi’s offices in Kinshasa, as reported by an army spokesperson.The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military prevented an attempted coup on Sunday near President Felix Tshisekedi’s offices in Kinshasa, as reported by an army spokesperson.
According to him, the plot, involving both foreigners and Congolese citizens, unfolded in the early hours outside the residence of Economy Minister Vital Kamerhe in the Gombe district, close to the president’s offices at the Palais de la Nation.
General Sylvain Ekenge announced on national television that the defence and security forces had successfully thwarted the coup attempt.
He said “An attempted coup d’etat has been stopped by the defence and security forces. The foreigners and Congolese…including their leader” would “all no longer cause any harm”.
Shots were heard near the Palais de la Nation during the attempted coup, as confirmed by various sources.
General Ekenge didn’t elaborate further on the incident, and AFP’s attempts to get additional information from official sources remain unanswered.
However by late morning, the city appeared calm.
Early social media reports suggested an armed attack on Kamerhe’s residence, with some assailants heading towards the Palais de la Nation.
“This morning, there was an armed attack at the residence of the economy minister,” wrote Japan’s ambassador Hidetoshi Ogawa on X.
He stated that Kamerhe “was not harmed, but two policemen and an assailant were killed according to sources.”
France’s ambassador reported hearing automatic weapons fire in the area and advised French nationals to steer clear of the location.
Videos circulating on social media depicted individuals in military attire at the Palais de la Nation, waving flags of Zaire, the former name of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the regime of dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, who was ousted in 1997.
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has dismissed all transition committee chairmen in the state’s 21 local government areas.
This decision was detailed in a letter titled “Expiration of Tenure and Handover to Heads of Local Government Administrations (HLGAs),” dated May 17, 2024, and signed by Collins Nwabunwanne, the state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs.
According to the letter, the directive will be effective starting Monday, May 20, 2024.
The letter read, “Following the expiration of your tenure as Transition Committee Chairman, you are hereby directed to handover the affairs of your Local Government Council to the Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA), in your respective Local Government Councils.
“This directive takes effect from Monday, 20th day of May, 2024. Thank you for your service to the state. All replies to be addressed to the Honourable Commissioner.”
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