Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a frontline contender for the presidency under the ruling All Progressives Con­gress, APC, has condemned the attack of the St. Francis Catho­lic Church in Owo, Ondo State, as reprehensible in every sense of the word, adding that “there is no place for such hatred and wanton taking of innocent lives in our nation.”

In a statement by his Media Office, the one time governor of Lagos State, described the per­petrators as evil and that they should be subjected to the full measure of the law and justice.

He said, “This violent attack has shocked the conscience of the nation and shattered the peace of this ancient town. It has saddened our hearts beyond what words can say. However, those who did this have made a terrible mistake. They think they can break our collective spirit and our will to live in peace and with compas­sion to all regardless of faith. What they have done will not pull us apart. We must unite so that together we extinguish this evil from our nation. We owe it to ourselves and to those who lost their lives in this hei­nous attack.

“Violent extremism and insecurity want to bring us low. We must continue to do all that we can to beat the vile challenge so that Nigeria becomes its better self. The architects of violence shall only seal their own fate but not the fate of this nation or the peace-loving people who inhabit it.

“While this is political sea­son, let us put aside partisan affiliation and politics for the moment. I ask all Nigerians to stand and commiserate with Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), the families of the victims of the attack and indeed the people of Owo and Ondo State. I too mourn and extend condolences with the pastors and leaders of St. Francis Catholic Church.

“While urging the people of the state to remain calm, and peaceful, we must also urge the police and security agencies to do all that is within their mor­tal power to get to the bottom of this attack, apprehend the wicked perpetrators and bring them to justice.

“May God watch over this republic and the people of Nigeria such that such evil is quickly and forever extin­guished from the land!”