‘It was a black Sunday’ — Ondo holds memorial mass for victims of Owo church attack

The Ondo state government has held a memorial service for the victims of the attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo.

On June 5, 2022, gunmen attacked the church, leaving 41 persons dead and several others injured.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the deputy governor, who led members of the state executive council to the memorial mass in the church on Saturday, said the day of the attack was a black Sunday for the people of Ondo and Nigeria.

Aiyedatiwa said the mass was a gathering of mixed feelings as people would still remember their friends and loved ones who died during the attack.

He appreciated Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor, for all he has done for the victims and survivors.

He said each of the survivors had received N500,000 in two tranches, and that the state government also built a memorial park in honour of those that lost their lives in the attack.

Aiyedatiwa said the state government also settled all the injured persons’ hospital bills while appreciating those that donated to the victims.

“It was indeed a black Sunday for us in Ondo state. The unfortunate incident happened when they were doing one of the things the Lord has mandated us to do — worship him,” Aiyedatiwa said.

“We commiserate with those that have lost their loved ones. They are saints of the Lord now. We need to get closer to God and fulfil His purpose.

“Ondo government, since this incident happened, has done so much in a way to support the families of those who have lost their loved ones. We appreciate the governor for all he has done on this disaster.”

Aiyedatiwa said the government would continue to protect and support all citizens and residents, irrespective of tribe and religion.

In his homily, Jude Arogundade, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, said the gathering was not intended to refuel anger but an opportunity to show to the world how the victims have healed in Christ.

Arogundade called on the government to wake up to its responsibility and bring perpetrators of the act to book.

The bishop also called on the federal government to unveil and prosecute those behind the attack.

Jumoke Veronica, who lost her mother to the attack, said life has not been the same since the incident occurred.