One year after terrorists attacked St. Francis Catholic Church in the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, on Monday, pledged that the victims of the tragic attack would not be forgotten.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Richard Olatunde, in a statement, described the attack as a devastating tragedy that struck the government and people of the state, noting that the government would always remember the tragedy that befell Owo Kingdom.
The statement said, “It’s been one year since the massacre that occurred at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo. 41 persons were killed, while several others were injured. Workers of iniquity invaded our land and terminated the lives of our people. It was a black Sunday.
“One year after, we are still nursing our pain. The scars of the heavy blow dealt to us will always remind us of our losses and the pain we endured. The horrific attack was a dagger drawn into our hearts. It was the most dastardly act that could happen in any society.
“The Church of God was desecrated. A place of worship, considered safe, was turned into a slaughter slab. Our people were mindlessly killed by cowards and mass murderers. It was a tale of pain, sorrow, and fear. We are still grappling with the shock from the attack.”
The statement said the Donation Management Committee on Owo Attack led by the state Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa, had reached out to the dependants of the victims and the injured.
It added, “We have provided financial and medical assistance to the dependants and the injured. We understand that no amount of money can fill the void left by our loved ones. Our efforts are geared toward easing the burden created by the death of breadwinners in families.
“We are constructing a fitting memorial park in honor of the deceased. The memorial park, situated opposite the palace of Olowo of Owo, is part of our commitment to immortalize the victims of the attack.
“We once again extend our heartfelt condolences to all those who lost their loved ones in the horrific attack. We also sympathize with the injured and their families. Equally, we offer our condolences to the Catholic Church of Owo and the entire people of Owo.”
The correspondent had reported that the terrorists attacked the church on June 5, 2022, killing no fewer than 41 worshippers and injuring several other people.