.

Omeiza Ajayi, Abuja

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, Senator Ayodele Arise has described as a national tragedy, Sunday’s deadly attack on worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owaluwa area of Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo state.

Senator Arise in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday described the incident as a national calamity, adding that efforts must be made to tackle the challenge of insecurity as everyone is a potential victim.

Gunmen had attacked the church on Sunday killing over 50 members of the congregation, while several others were left injured.

He called for a very sincere, concerted efforts on the part of security agencies as he warned that “we must be resolute in our quest to fight the gory tragedies of insecurity ravaging our country. “

While restating that every Nigerian is a potential victim, he appealed to the federal government to act decisively and timely.

The APC chieftain who once represented Ekiti North in the National Assembly prayed God to grant Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and the entire people of Ondo State the wisdom to handle the national tragedy and console the immediate families of the victims.

In his message of solidarity to the Ondo State Governor, Senator Arise said; “Please, accept my condolences over the gruesome massacre of worshipers in Owo, your hometown. That this could happen anywhere is the dangerous narrative of our time. The callous perpetrators chose to strike in the heart of one of Yoruba’s heritage and on holy ground.

“We must be resolute in our quest to fight the gory tragedies of insecurity ravaging our country.

“This grief is not just for you or Ondo people, it is a national grief that requires all hands on deck to confront the evil minds in our society. Nigeria must defeat all acts of terrorism. Everybody is a potential victim. We must act decisively and timely.

“God will grant you the wisdom to console your kiths and kins”.