Owo Massacre: Ondo Government Lauded For Aid To Victims, Deceased's Families

The Osun State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has been commended for shouldering the responsibility of bringing consolidation to the victims of the massacre at Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.

The commendation was given by the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Rev. (Dr) Jude Arogundade.

Bishop Arogundade explained that he was amazed that Governor Akeredolu was ready to do anything and even to stick his office out to get justice for the victims and the deceased’s families of the June 5 Catholic Church terrorists attack.

Speaking on Thursday during the re-dedicattion of Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo, Arogundade also solicited for continued support and prayers for the Governor.

The rededication of th church is part of weeklong activities marking the one year remembrance of the massacre which left 41 church worshippers dead and several others injured.

Also at the ceremony, the Owo Terrorists Attack Relief Fund Committee of the State government presented another round of cash palliatives to victims and members of the deceased families to further assist them and cushion the effects of the barbaric attack.

“In a special way, I want to thank Arakunrin Akeredolu. I am grateful to him because he took the attack personally.

"He was ready to do anything even to stick his office out to fight to make sure justice is done.

"The Governor took it upon himself the responsibility of bringing consolation and solace on all those who were wounded.

"When it comes to compassion and doing what is right, there is no state like Ondo state," the Bishop stressed.

He used the occasion to appreciate the members of the Relief Fund Committee of the State government for their efforts to take care of the victims of the attack, saying Governor Akeredolu through the committee has brought relief to those affected directly and indirectly.

He also lauded the Governor for the magnificent Memorial Park, saying it has shown the State appreciated the beauty and sanctity of human life.

Earlier in his homily, the Bishop said whosoever is behind the mindless killing of the innocent church members on June 5, 2022, has crossed the line.

According to him, the church has come to stay and will not be intimidated in whatever form.

The Catholic Bishop equally asked the new administration to set up an Investigative Panel to know those behind the killings of 63,000 people in Nigeria in the past eight years of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He particularly called on the new President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to hold the attackers and all other mindless killers in the country accountable for their heinous crimes, insisting that the senseless killings must stop.

He expressed worries that the Western Region which was known to be safer and peaceful before is now becoming unsafe for people, calling on the new President to make the country the best it’s created to be under under his administration.

He also thanked the new President Tinubu and others donors, for coming to the rescue of the Church and the victims.

In another development, the Owo Terrorists Attack Relief Fund Committee of the State government presented another round of cash palliatives to victims and members of the deceased families to further assist them and cushion the effects of the barbaric attack.

Members of the Committee present include Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Bunmi Osadahun and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Dare Aragbaiye, among others.