The tension is currently brewing in the community of Owo, in the local government area of the State of Ondo, after the threat of alleged bandits to attack the Catholic Church of San Francisco, Owo again, which was attacked three years ago.
The threat of the alleged bandits led to a call to a security summit, convened by the traditional ruler of the city, Owo's Olowo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, to address the growing insecurity in the area.
Speaking about the development, the Summit Advertising Secretary, Mr. Bosun Oladimeji, said that the opening edition of the Owo Security Summit with the subject: “Ensure Owo and its surroundings: Strategies for the Security and Resistance of the Community,” will take place next week.
Oladimeji said that the summit aims to raise awareness about community security, promote cooperation between residents and the application of the law, reduce crime and propose sustainable security initiatives.
According to him, the key objective of the summit is to establish a security fiduciary fund to support long -term efforts.
Oladimeji said that recent incidents, including the renewed threat of bandits and several kidnappings, have significantly affected people's socioeconomic life, which makes proactive security measures imperative.
It will be remembered that about three years ago, some armed bandits invaded and attacked the Catholic Church of San Francisco, during the service, killing scores and hurting many others during a Sunday mass on June 5, 2022.
However, the community will meet to avoid a repetition of the 2022 attack after receiving a new letter from alleged bandits, threatening a repeated attack.
The expected dignitaries at the summit include the governor of the State of Ondo, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Owolabi Avoli, Judge Adesuyi Oateru-Dolagbegi is expected to preside over the event, with the Hon. Tep Omolayo, president of Owo LG, as the main host.
The Summit Committee is chaired by Pastor Olugbenga Olumolawa, and Prof. Taiwo Adenegan will serve as anchors.
All security agencies, traditional rulers and interested parties have been invited to develop a unified response to imminent threat.