AFRICA/NIGERIA - Memorial Park to the 41 victims of the attack on the church in Owo demolished

Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - "The Catholic Diocese of Ondo unequivocally condemns and finds unacceptable the sudden and unannounced demolition of the Memorial Park in Owo," said Msgr. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, Bishop of Ondo in a statement issued on June 25, condemning the decision of the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to demolish the memorial park built to commemorate the victims of the attack on the Church of St. Francis of Owo, which took place on Sunday, June 5, 2022 (see Fides, 6/6/2022). An armed group attacked the church and fired indiscriminately at the faithful who were celebrating Sunday Mass.
According to Msgr. Arogundade, "there is no doubt that the demolition is a violation of our common respect for the dignity of life and the memory we share of our 41 brothers and sisters who were unjustly killed."
"The Memorial Park was established by the State Government as a neutral and communal space for remembrance, reflection, and communal healing after the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack," the Bishop recalled.
The Memorial Park was built by the administration of former Governor of Ondo, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. Construction of the park began in March 2023 and was completed in June 2023. During this period, there were no objections or protests from anyone. "The site was legitimately acquired and developed by the State Government and publicly designated as a Memorial Park for honoring the victims. It was commissioned and blessed by the state government and the Church respectively," emphasized the Bishop of Ondo. Msgr. Arogundade concludes by pointing out that "immediately we heard of the demolition, the Diocese wrote a letter to His Excellency, the Governor of Ondo State, seeking an official audience to understand the reasons behind the demolition of the Memorial Park and to seek clarification about its future. As of this statement over 72 hours have passed, and no reply has been received from the Governor’s office." (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 26/6/2025)

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