Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa Street, Owo, Ondo State, reopened for worship 10 months after a terrible terrorist attack on June 5, 2022, which killed 41 innocent parishioners and injured more than 60.
Since the sad tragedy, the church has been closed for security reasons and as a mark of respect for those who were killed.
Revd Father Jude Arogundade, Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, who led hundreds of worshippers in the reopening during Easter Sunday service, praised the attendees for their faithfulness to God and encouraged them to pray for the souls of the departed as well as their families.
In his speech, Arogundade condemned the massacre, declaring that it will go down in Yorubaland history as the worst thing that could have happened in a church.
He maintained, however, that the tragic event should not be exploited to intimidate the church or its followers.
The bishop said that members may participate in Jesus Christ’s resurrection by increasing their confidence in God and serving Him.
Arogundade said that the government failed to safeguard her residents’ lives and property.
“I have never seen a nation that is content to see its citizens killed every day.” It never occurs anyplace on the planet. A government that is incapable of protecting its citizens is unfit to be called a government. This government has failed.”
Despite having lifelong wounds that would never fade, several of the attack’s victims and survivors thanked God for keeping them alive.
Josephine Ejelonu, who had her legs amputated by explosives, thanked God for her continued survival.
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