The Nation’s top intelligence services, particularly, the Department of State Service, has spread a dragnet for fleeing sponsors of the terror cell which massacred 41 worshippers of at Owo in cold blood on June 5.
The members of the lethal terror network had launched a most Savage and barbaric attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo killing 41 worshippers including children, the aged, women and others on Pentecost Sunday.
The Network gathered that the terrorists who carried out the callous massacre confessed during interrogation that about seven people who provided logistic and facilitated the attack are on the run.
Investigation reveal that security operatives who have made a breakthrough with the arrest of four of the members of the cell, are going after the fleeing sponsors of the killer group.
It was gathered that the security agencies are on red alert in all entry points in a relentless search for the seven sponsors and collaborators of those who carried out the dastardly act.
The Network investigation revealed that all land borders and airports and other avenues of escape are under intensified intelligence action.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor, on Wednesday said that four out of the terrorists who attacked the Owo Catholic Church were arrested at Eika, Okehi LGA, Kogi State on 1 August 2022.
Irabor whose comments were contained in a statement by the Director Defence Information, Maj Gen Jimmy Akpor, revealed the identities of the killers.
According to him, those arrested included Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (a.k.a Bin Malik), Momoh Otohu Abubakar, Aliyu Yusuf Itopa and Auwal Ishaq Onimisi.
The statement clarified the confusion in earlier reports that a terrorist (Idris Ojo) who was at Kuje prison at the time of the attack was listed as the mastermind.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza was the mastermind of the terror attack on the Owo Catholic Church as well as the attack on a Police Station in Adavi LGA, Kogi State on 23 June 2022, during which a policeman was killed and weapons carted away.
“The Defence Chief also mentioned the arrest of another terrorist, Idris Ojo (32 years), who was apprehended at Ayetoro Osi, Ondo State through the combined effort of military and DSS personnel on 7 August 2022. Idris Ojo, the CDS said, was one of the suspected ISWAP terrorists who escaped from the Kuje Medium Correctional Centre highlighted on 5 July 2022.
“The CDS also mentioned that Ojo was arrested alongside Jimoh Ibrahim (39 years), a sympathizer of the terrorist group, who accommodated him. The CDS further revealed that, the arrest of Idris Ojo was crucial as he, along with others, was already planning terrorists’ attacks against some selected targets, in order to create fear amongst the citizenry aimed at discrediting the government. Gen Irabor also confirmed the death of a bandit leader, Alhaji Abdulkareem, who was killed alongside his fighters on 6 August 2022 during air operations in the North West region.” The statement read.
Akeredolu Clears Air On Arrest Of Kuje Prison Escapee, Idris Ojo
The attention of Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has been drawn to the announcement of Idris Ojo as one of the attackers of St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, arrested by the security agencies.
Governor Akeredolu acknowledged the confusion the statement has created in the public space, considering that the ugly event of June 5 attack in Owo preceded the unfortunate incident on Kuje prison.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary on Wednesday, the Governor said there was a mix up in the announcement by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor.
Governor Akeredolu explained that Idris Ojo, who is number 14 on the wanted list of Kuje Prison Escapees was arrested in his brother’s house in Akure.
“The announcement of the arrest of Idris Ojo as one of the perpetrators of the June 5 attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo was a mix up from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor.
“Idris Ojo, who is number 14 on the wanted list of the Kuje Prison Escapees was arrested in his brother’s house in Akure. His brother, Jimoh Rasheed Ibrahim, received and accommodated him after his escape from Kuje prison.
“He was thereafter moved and kept in the custody of the security operatives at the same time the attackers of Owo Catholic Church were arrested and brought into custody. Hence, the mix up.” The Governor said.
Governor Akeredolu urged members of the public to remain vigilant and give necessary supports to the security agencies in the State
