The St. Francis’ Catholic Church in Owo, Owo Local Government Area, which was attacked by terrorists in December, will reopen to the public on Easter Sunday.
Recall that PUNCH METRO reported that the incident which took place on June 5, 2022, resulted in the deaths of no less than 41 churchgoers and the injuries of an additional 69.
Since that time, no one has been detained in connection with the heinous deed.
To honor the victims, the state government has started building a memorial park in Owo.
According to the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN., the project is expected to be completed by May.
As part of the Easter celebrations, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Jude Arogundade, announced the reopening of the church at this year’s Chrism Mass.
Since the attack on attendees, the pastor said, the church has been locked, but that it would reopen on Sunday.
He said, “Since the unfortunate incident that befell our members at the Saint Francis Cathedral in Owo on June 5, 2022, the church has been closed down for security reasons and as a mark of respect for our fallen brothers and sisters.
“The church shall be opened again for Easter Sunday. The government of Ondo state is as well, planning to commemorate the first anniversary of the massacre in honour of our fallen heroes.”