By Dayo Johnson, Akure
The Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade, says the Church continues to live with the emotional and psychological scars of the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, four years after 41 worshippers were killed and more than 100 others injured.
Speaking in an interview ahead of the fourth anniversary of the massacre, Arogundade said the Diocese is still supporting victims, survivors and families affected by the incident.
“The scar has been with us since then. To this very day, we are still either caring for the children of the deceased, or still nursing the wounds of the wounded, and those who lost dear ones,” he said.
He disclosed that some families remain deeply affected, including a seminarian whose parents were both killed in the attack.
Reacting to the recent conviction and death sentence of four suspects, the bishop said the judgment, while meaningful, could not erase the pain of loss.
“People will say at least justice was done… but it doesn’t bring back the lives of 41 people that were brutally murdered,” he said.
Arogundade maintained that the Church believes the attack was planned and not random.
“I still believe that it was sponsored. It is not just out of the blue. People planned it and executed it,” he said.
He stressed that the Catholic Church remains focused on its humanitarian mission, noting its work in healthcare, education, and support for vulnerable groups.
“We don’t get involved in controversies. We care for everybody. We have hospitals, we support orphans and widows,” he said.
On forgiveness and justice, the bishop said the Church has moved on spiritually but still respects due process under the law.
“We are a church. We follow the teachings of Christ… forgiveness is from God. But the law of the land must still take its course,” he added.
