Catholic Church unveils Memorial Park in honour of Owo terror victims

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, along with other bishops from the South West states, on Saturday, dedicated a Memorial Park in honour of victims that died during the terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, on June 5, 2022.

During the Mass in memory of the victims of the Pentecost Sunday massacre, Arogundade said the church would always render support where necessary to the affected families.

With 51 children of survivors awarded scholarships to the university level, the memorial park consists of spaces labelled with the names of the slain parishioners.

The bishop said the mixed feelings by parishioners signified a clear statement of strength, character, and resilience in Christ to honour the 41 deceased members and also the 85 survivors.

Arogundade, according to a report by The Guardian, said the gathering was not intended to reignite their anger but was an opportunity to show the world how the victims have healed in Christ.

The bishop appealed to the government to wake up to its responsibility, hold accountable the perpetrators of the dastardly act, and look inward for the emancipation of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State government has disclosed that the government’s Memorial Park, built to honour the slain victims, will soon be commissioned.

Chairman of the Owo Attack Donation Management Committee, Wale Akinterinwa, while inspecting the park, said that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu would officially inaugurate it when completed.

Akinterinwa stated that the names of the survivors would be engraved on a wall marble, which he said would be completed soon.

He also mentioned that the remaining internal work would also be completed shortly, after which Memorial Park would be ready for commissioning.

He continued: “Our presence here today. The bishops from Ibadan, Ondo, and others have come to see what we are doing and have expressed their appreciation.”

“They have also asked us to convey their gratitude to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) for his compassionate response to the affected people from the very beginning of this incident.”