The Catholic Diocese of Ondo has described the demolition of the memorial park built to immortalise the victims of the terror attack on St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo as a violation of the dignity of life and memories of those massacred in the violent attack. 

“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 Catholic bishop of the Ondo Diocese, Jude Arogundade, said in a statement issued on Wednesday in Akure, the state capital. 

“The Catholic Diocese of Ondo unequivocally condemns and finds unacceptable the sudden and unannounced demolition of the Memorial Park in Owo.”

Mr Arogundade said that the pulling down of the memorial park has also reawakened the pains of families of victims and casualties of the attack. 

“This site, established by the State Government, served as a neutral and communal space for remembrance, reflection, and communal healing after the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack. Its demolition seems to have renewed the pain of everyone who was affected by the attack, and justifiably so,” he said.  

Mr Arogundade recalled the intervention of the Ondo Diocese when the natives of the community first protested over the site of the memorial park at the front of the church. 

According to him, the Diocese issued a statement, making it clear that the space was a memorial park and not a graveyard. 

“In the letter, the misunderstanding by those who thought it was a burial ground, especially due to its proximity to the Palace, was addressed openly, and an appeal was made for understanding and mutual respect.”

While explaining that the site of the cenotaph was legitimately acquired and developed by the state government, Mr Arogundade added that the demolished edifice was publicly designated as Memorial Park for honouring the victims. 

“It was commissioned and blessed by the state government and the church respectively,” he noted. 

He bemoaned the demolition without any prior notice or official dialogue, saying the worshippers were shocked and deeply saddened by the action of the state government in collaboration with the Olowo of Owo. 

He, however, said the church has also written to the governor to demand explanations and know the motives behind the demolition. 

“The Catholic Diocese of Ondo remains committed to honouring the memories of the departed. foster communal healing, and work with authorities and stakeholders to maintain peace and mutual respect within the state. 

“We trust that through open dialogue and respect for due process, this matter will be resolved in a manner that upholds the dignity of the victims and the collective heritage of our people.”