UK Based Body Facilitates Relief Materials To Disaster Victims In Ondo

By Ayodele Oni

Barnabas Aid UK, a foreign philanthropist group from the United Kingdom, has through the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), from the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), presented humanitarian aids to victims of terror attack at St Francis Catholic Church, Owo and Gbalegi community all in Ondo state.

The delegation visited survivors of the June 5, 2022 attack at Owo Catholic Church and  distributed relief materials in the spirit of the Christmas season.

Speaking with journalists during the visit, the Chairman of CAN in the 19 Northern States and FCT, Rev. Dr. John Joseph Hayab, said the delegation was in Owo to fulfill the biblical injunction that urges believers to “mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice.”

He described the church as sacred ground, recalling the tragic incident in which gunmen attacked worshippers, leaving many dead and others permanently injured.

Rev. Hayab noted that the visit was made possible through the support of Barnabas Aid UK, which has consistently extended humanitarian assistance to persecuted Christians across four Northern States and one Southern State.

He emphasized that the right to life and worship of all Nigerians remains a priority, stressing that unity among Christians is essential for national peace and development.

He added that security arrangements around churches in the North have been strengthened, with wisdom and caution applied to ensure peaceful coexistence.

Addressing beneficiaries of the relief materials, Rev. Hayab said the delegation came to identify with those affected by the Owo tragedy, noting that similar experiences are common in Northern Nigeria.

He encouraged the victims to celebrate Christmas with joy, reminding them that Christ came to bring hope to a troubled world, assuring them that justice would ultimately prevail, stating that those responsible for the pain and suffering would face the consequences of their actions.

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ondo State, Rev. Fr. Anselm Olorunfemi Ologunwa, in his welcome address at St.  said the visit, formed part of activities to identify with victims of violence and promote unity among Christians and people of different faiths across Nigeria.

Rev. Fr. Ologunwa described the visit as a powerful symbol of solidarity, noting that Owo remains a painful reminder of the 2022 attack on worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church.

He stated that the presence of the northern CAN leadership demonstrated that the pain of one part of the country is shared by the entire body of Christ.

He acknowledged the support of Barnabas’ Aid UK and other partners, noting that the assistance would help restore dignity to the victims and reinforce ongoing efforts at healing and reconciliation within affected communities.

The delegation at Gbalegi community in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State visited victims of last year’s communal clash, alongside aged men and women and persons living with disabilities.

The beneficiaries were presented with bags of rice and tubers of yam as part of efforts to ease their hardship during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

While addressing the gathering, the Ondo State Chairman of CAN explained that the intervention was driven by compassion and a commitment to stand with suffering communities by the leadership of CAN in Northern Nigeria.

He revealed that the association had undertaken extensive efforts to locate Gbalegi in order to reach those affected by the crisis, stressing that the gesture was meant to restore hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging to the people.

Responding on behalf of the community, the Baale and Central Chairman of Gbalegi, Mr. Agboola Rotimi, expressed appreciation for the visit and the support.

He described the intervention as timely and reassured that it would go a long way in providing succour to the people and enable them to celebrate the festive season with renewed hope and joy.