Owo Catholic Church massacre: Akeredolu tells Ebiras in Ondo to flush out criminals among them

Following the arrest of some Commanders of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), an Islamic terrorist organisation, who are Ebira tribal stock that attacked St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, governor Rotimi Akeredolu has
warned the Ebira living in the state to flush out the criminals among them.

In a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde in Akure on Sunday said, Ebira people have lived in Ondo for a long time and he advised them not to deviate from farming business.

He urged the Ebira people to join hands with the government in tackling criminals.

The statement which was issued after a close door meeting with Ebira leaders, revealed that the meeting was summoned as a result of the June 5 church massacre in Owo and other kidnapping cases in the state.

The statement said, some bad elements within the Ebira are casting their images in bad light.

“We summoned this meeting with our brothers. They are not new here but because of the recent developments that have to do with the Owo massacre and kidnappings, we have to call ourselves.

“I can assure you all that we have had very frank discussions and the leader of the Ebiras in Ondo State spoke on behalf of his people.

The Ebira leaders, the statement quoted, were asked to go and discuss with their people on the task of purging themselves of criminal elements.

Reacting, the Ebira leaders whe were led by Odeyani Anabira promised to call on their people, saying they have been living in Ondo for a long time, hence, let that brotherliness continue.

“We believe that it is not those who are residing here that came to perpetrate this crime. That is what they have said and we should give them another chance.

“Let us live together in peace and I hope and pray that the Ebiras who are here in Ondo State will work with the government and security agencies to make sure that criminals are flushed out within our midst.”