A year after some terrorists attacked innocent worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, the Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Monday lamented the 5th June, 2022 terror attack in Owo, describing it as a devastating tragedy that struck the government and people of the state.
The governor said the state will always remember the tragedy that befell Owo Kingdom on that fateful day
Akeredolu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde said, “It’s been one year since the massacre that occurred at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo. Forty-one 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.”
According to the governor, “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.”
Akeredolu who noted that the Church of God was desecrated, “a place of worship, considered safe, was turned into a slaughter slab, noted that,” 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.”
He said, “So far, the Donation Management Committee on Owo Attack, led by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Wale Akinterinwa, has reached out to the dependents of the victims and the injured. We have provided financial and medical assistance to the dependents 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 the 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.’’