The Catholic Diocese of Ondo State has spoken out against the sudden removal of a memorial park in Owo. Bishop Jude Arogundade signed an official statement condemning the action. The state government tore down the park without warning or discussion with church leaders. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ordered workers to destroy the memorial site. The park honored victims of a deadly church attack that happened three years ago.
Late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had built the memorial to remember people killed at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church. The state government held a public ceremony when the park opened. Church officials blessed the memorial during the dedication event. The diocese calls the demolition a violation of respect for human dignity. Leaders say the action dishonors the memory of 41 people who died in the attack.
Church officials sent a letter to Governor Aiyedatiwa asking for an explanation. More than three days have passed without any response from the governor. The diocese wants to know why the memorial was removed. Officials also asked if the state plans to build another memorial somewhere else. The church seeks a meeting to discuss the matter with government leaders.
The memorial park remembered victims of a June 2022 attack at the Catholic church. Gunmen killed more than 40 people and wounded dozens of others during Sunday worship services. The violent incident shocked people across Nigeria and around the world. The diocese emphasizes its desire for peaceful talks and proper procedures. Church leaders hope to resolve the dispute through respectful discussion with state officials.
Late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had built the memorial to remember people killed at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church. The state government held a public ceremony when the park opened. Church officials blessed the memorial during the dedication event. The diocese calls the demolition a violation of respect for human dignity. Leaders say the action dishonors the memory of 41 people who died in the attack.
Church officials sent a letter to Governor Aiyedatiwa asking for an explanation. More than three days have passed without any response from the governor. The diocese wants to know why the memorial was removed. Officials also asked if the state plans to build another memorial somewhere else. The church seeks a meeting to discuss the matter with government leaders.
The memorial park remembered victims of a June 2022 attack at the Catholic church. Gunmen killed more than 40 people and wounded dozens of others during Sunday worship services. The violent incident shocked people across Nigeria and around the world. The diocese emphasizes its desire for peaceful talks and proper procedures. Church leaders hope to resolve the dispute through respectful discussion with state officials.
