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

The Ondo Catholic Diocese has strongly condemned the demolition of the memorial park erected in honor of the over 40 worshippers massacred at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. The Diocese, led by Most Rev. Dr. Jude Arogundade, Bishop of Ondo Diocese, described the demolition as a desecration of sacred memory and a grave disrespect to the victims and their families. The Bishop noted that the memorial park, built under the administration of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, was intended to immortalize the victims and offer a place of reflection and healing for the community.

Key Takeaways:

• The Ondo Catholic Diocese condemned the demolition of the memorial park, calling it a desecration of sacred memory and a grave disrespect to the victims and their families.
• The Diocese stated that the memorial park was built to honor the victims of the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack and to provide a neutral and communal space for remembrance, reflection, and communal healing.
• The Diocese communicated with the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, seeking an official audience to discuss the reasons behind the demolition and to clarify the future of the memorial park, but received no response.
• The Diocese emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, mutual respect, and communal understanding within the state and will continue to work with authorities and stakeholders to resolve the matter.
• The wife of the late governor, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, visited the resting place of her husband and expressed sorrow and outrage over the demolition of the memorial park, alleging that it was spearheaded by the Olowo of Owo and supported by political actors in the state.
• The incident has sparked a wave of reactions from the public, with many demonstrating their sense of belonging and mutual respect for the victims and their families through social media and other channels.

Statistics:

• Over 40 worshippers were massacred at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State on June 5, 2022.
• The memorial park was built under the administration of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and was intended to immortalize the victims.
• The Diocese has communicated with the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, seeking clarification on the reasons behind the demolition and to determine the future of the memorial park.
• As of the time of the Diocese's statement, over 72 hours had passed without a response from the governor's office.

Sources:

• "Catholic Diocese of Ondo condemns demolition of memorial park for Owo massacre victims" (official statement signed by Most Rev. Dr. Jude Arogundade, Bishop of Ondo Diocese)
• "Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu visits late husband's mausoleum, laments demolition of Owo massacre victims' cenotaph" (video posted on Mrs. Anyanwu-Akeredolu's official Facebook page)