Ondo Catholic Diocese Condemns Demolition of Memorial Park for 2022 Massacre Victims

The Catholic Diocese of Ondo has expressed deep disappointment and outrage over the demolition of the Memorial Park constructed to honor the 41 persons murdered by terrorists on June 5, 2022, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo. The state government demolished the park without prior notice, renewing the pain of those affected by the attack. The diocese claims the site was a neutral and communal space for remembrance, reflection, and communal healing. The Catholic Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Jude Arogundade, has written to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa seeking an explanation for the demolition and has outlined the diocese's demands for a memorial site in honor of the victims.

Key Takeaways:

• The Catholic Diocese of Ondo has condemned the sudden and unannounced demolition of the Memorial Park in Owo without prior notice to the people of the state.
• The Memorial Park was constructed to honor the 41 persons murdered by terrorists on June 5, 2022, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo.
• The Catholic Diocese of Ondo claims the site was a neutral and communal space for remembrance, reflection, and communal healing.
• The diocese has written to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa seeking an explanation for the demolition and has outlined its demands for a memorial site in honor of the victims.
• The demands include an official explanation for the sudden change of mind by the government, clarification on whether the site is being vacated for relocation, redevelopment, or permanent removal, and information about any future plans for a memorial site in honor of the victims.
• The Catholic Diocese of Ondo remains committed to honoring the memories of the departed, fostering communal healing, and working with authorities and stakeholders to maintain peace and mutual respect within the state.
• The diocese claims that the demolition is a violation of the respect for the dignity of life and the memory shared of the 41 brothers and sisters who were unjustly killed.

Statistics:

• 41 persons were murdered by terrorists on June 5, 2022, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo.
• The Memorial Park was demolished without prior notice to the people of the state.
• 72 hours after waiting for a response from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the state governor ignored the church.
• 200 people were reportedly affected by the demolition.

Sources:

• A statement signed by the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Jude Arogundade (no date mentioned in the original text).
• The state government of Ondo (no date mentioned in the original text).
• Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa (no date mentioned in the original text).
• Catholic Diocese of Ondo (no date mentioned in the original text).