In the semblance of contest for recognition, there seems to be a battle of authority between the Ondo State Police command and Bishop David Oyedepo, the General Overseer of Faith Terbanacle over the controversy trailing the arrest of terrorists that killed dozens of worshippers last Sunday in Owo, Ondo State.
The bloodthirsty terrorists invaded St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo and opened fire on defenseless worshipers, killing over forty of them while several others were rushed to the hospital.
The incident became a national discourse with several Nigerians and international communities condemning the attack and calling for the arrest of the bloodthirsty demons and justice for the victims.
In his response to the development, Bishop Oyedepo who condemned the incident in its entirety declared 7-day ultimatum for the terrorists to be arrested. Oyedepo stated that if they were not arrested within that frame of time, then he is not serving a living God.
During the week, it was rumoured that the gunmen have been arrested and taken to the the Palace of Olowo of Owo.The information triggered a surge of crowd at the palace who were demanding to see the criminals.
According to the information, it was gathered that some people were arrested in the bush by a combined team of Amotekun operatives and police officers.
Having sighted them at the back of security van, they were believed to be the terrorists. But while responding to the crowd who were protesting in his palace, Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye noted that it is not true. He said he has not been told that they have been arrested yet and if they are arrested, he would let his people know.
Confirming that the statement was a mere rumour, Ondo State Police command corroborated Olowo’s position, saying those arrested are not the terrorists who attacked St. Francis Church on Sunday.
Despite the police and Monarch denying the arrest, Bishop Oyedepo reportedly boasted during the weekend service in his church that the terrorists have been arrested.
He said his 7- day ultimatum issued to them is not yet complete and they have been arrested already. The man of God proved to his congregation that he is indeed, serving a living God.
With the contradiction between Oyedepo and the police authority in Ondo State, whom should Nigeria believe at this point? Have the terrorists really been arrested or the matter is simply being politicized?
And if it is politicized, should Bishop Oyedepo be caught in that web of dirty politics? There seems to be more than meet the eyes over the terrorists that attacked Owo Church and the controversy surrounding their arrest.
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