IPDI Condemns Killing of Worshipers in Ondo, demands culprits to be brought to justice

•Expresses sympathy for the bereaved families, and the Church

By Teide Emomotimi

Foremost Ijaw rights group, Ijaw People’s Development Initiative, IPDI, has strongly condemned the killing of worshipers in Ondo State by suspected herdsmen on Sunday.

This was contained in a statement by its national spokesperson, Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala which was sent to Congress correspondent in Warri on Tuesday.

IPDI, however, expressed sympathy with families and friends of those who lost their loved ones during the attack and senseless killing of Worshipers at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa in Owo town, Owo Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that over 50 worshippers were killed in that unfortunate incident.

The group’s spokesman Kagbala, warned against such attacks on Ijaws in Ondo State, adding that the upsurge of violence and ruthless killing of defenceless innocent citizens would one day elicit provocation if not addressed timely.

He said, “fear and uncertainty have gripped millions of persons as hope of a better Nigeria sinks deep into the ocean of illusion which best characterizes a hopeless Nation where insecurity defines her identity”.

The group called on President Muhammadu Buhari and all self-serving governors and politicians in Nigeria to provide adequate security as well putting national interest first.

Kagbala said: “It’s painful that the ruling class has detached themselves from patriotism, but made Nigerians the victims of their misrule. The country under Buhari has become a killing field characterized by a complete breakdown of law and order”.

“Criminality has mutated rapidly into more deadly dimension of being pervasive and unchallenged by security and law-enforcement agencies which have long ceased to be relevant and effective”.

“Our country, Nigeria should not become a tourism center where people visit to see the cemeteries. If the government continue with condemning without actions to stop insecurity, people will be forced to seek vengeance as the best means to register their pains”.