Catholic Bishops in Nigeria Pay Solidarity Visit to Ondo Diocese after Church Massacre

Speaking at every point of convergence, Archbishop Gabriel ’Leke Abegunrin of Ibadan Archdiocese condemned the act vehemently and described it as fighting against God, the report says.

Archbishop Abegunrin says that he believes “God will take up the fight against the evil doers.” 

He urges the government to “pull all efforts together to make sure anyone involved in this horrible killing of unarmed innocent be brought to face timely justice.” 

He also commends the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, for his “bold steps and promise made in ensuring that the perpetrators are apprehended.”

In the June 9 report, the Local Ordinary of Ondo Diocese condemns the June 5 massacre saying, “it is unacceptable.”

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He wants “something to be done in ensuring a non-repeat of this ugly incident.” 

To have a befitting burial for the dead, Bishop Arogundade, in the report, “asks for a piece of land from the State, located at a strategic place in Owo, where a park can be built and beautified in a way that gives some dignity to humanity even in death.”

“We have to let these evil doers know that we cannot be defeated and that when we come out, we come out strong,” the Nigerian Bishop has been quoted as saying.

He adds, “Getting a place of burial would make a statement that shames the perpetrators of this havoc.”

On June 9, authorities in Nigeria said they suspect the insurgent group Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) carried out the Pentecost Sunday massacre, Reuters reported.

“We have been able to see the footprint of ISWAP in the horrendous attack in Owo and we are after them. Our security agencies are on their trail and we will bring them to justice,” Interior Minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has been quoted as telling Reuters. 

The report further indicates that “since the incident on Sunday, 5th June 2022 at Owo, the once sleepy town has been unsettled and somber.”

“Shops have been closed and a most noticeable feature is the cluster of people in strategic locations around town. People are debating on the why, how, and what of this sad occurrence,” the report adds.

“Women of the town, led by the head of the market women, led a protest procession that culminated in a prayer session against the perpetrators,” the June 9 report further indicates.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.