Catholic Church Reopens Saint Francis, Owo, 10 Months After Terrorists Attack

By Ayodele Oni

Almost 10 months after closure, following attack by terrorists,  St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, will be reopened to worshippers on Easter Sunday.

The Catholic Church, which was attacked last year by gunmen, is expected to receive worshippers that will be trooping in to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

A total of 41 persons were killed and 69 others injured in the attack that occured on June 5th.

Bishop of the Ondo Diocese, Rev Jude Arogundade, announced the reopening of the Church at  mass to mark part of Easter celebration.

Arogundade said the Church has been locked since the attack on worshippers.

“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 one year anniversary of the massacre in honour of our fallen heroes.”

Prosecution of some suspects arrested in connection with the incident had been stalled as a result of legal hurdles.

The State Government has embarked on the construction of a memorial park to be commissioned as part of activities marking the first year of the attack.