Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has pledged to continue the fight for justice for the victims of the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the 35th priestly and 15th episcopal anniversaries of the Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, the governor emphasised that security remains a top priority for his administration.
READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa ends decades-long royal dispute, installs new monarch in Akungba
The attack, which claimed the lives of approximately 40 worshippers and left dozens injured, remains a painful memory.
Aiyedatiwa commended the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS) for their roles in arresting and prosecuting suspects linked to the massacre, including Idris Omeiza, Al-Quasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Abubakar.
“As we continue to seek justice for them, let us stand together against terror’s might,” he declared.
Aiyedatiwa praised Bishop Arogundade as a “beacon of hope” and recognised the Catholic Church’s substantial contributions to education, healthcare, and social development in the state.
He also highlighted his administration’s investment in security, including the recent procurement of 75 Hilux vehicles with modern security equipment and the provision of monthly logistics to security agencies.
This, he noted, has contributed to Ondo State being widely recognised as one of Nigeria’s safest states, attracting investors and boosting local business.
In his own remarks, Bishop Arogundade expressed gratitude to the government for the return of missionary schools to the church, assuring that they would continue to provide quality education with strong moral values.
READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa pledges road completion, pushes APC unity ahead of 2027
He thanked the governor for attending the event and pledged the church’s prayers and support for his administration.
The governor ended the event by participating in the unveiling of the church’s new multipurpose hall.
