We won’t forget the victims of the Owo church tragedy – Akeredolu

The governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu, promised on Monday that the victims of the sorrowful incident would not be forgotten, one year after terrorists attacked the St. Francis Catholic Church in the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Richard Olatunde, the governor’s chief press secretary, said in a statement that the attack was a terrible tragedy that affected both the state’s government and its citizens, and that the government would always remember what happened to 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.”

According to the announcement, the relatives of the victims and the injured have been contacted by the Donation Management Committee on Owo Attack, which was chaired by the state commissioner for finance, Wale Akinterinwa.

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 honour of the deceased. The memorial park, situated opposite the palace of Olowo of Owo, is part of our commitment to immortalise 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 sympathise with the injured and their families. Equally, we offer our condolences to the Catholic Church of Owo and the entire people of Owo.”