Nine months after terrorists attacked a Catholic church in Owo, Ondo State, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has begun construction of a memorial park to honor the victims. The attack on St Francis Catholic Church claimed 41 lives and left many others with varying injuries, yet no arrests have been made. During an inspection of the construction site on Saturday, the governor pledged that the memorial will be “a beauty to behold” when completed and emphasized his administration’s determination not to forget those who perished.
Governor Akeredolu announced that President‑elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who visited Owo to offer condolences after the tragedy, will be invited to inaugurate the park. He praised architect Femi Bello, the Odopetu of Akure Kingdom, for his exceptional dedication to the project, stating that the design will rival any memorial park worldwide. “Come rain or sunshine, this project must be completed before the end of May,” the governor said, adding that the inauguration could occur a week after the president‑elect’s own inauguration, which would bring him joy.
The governor also highlighted the ongoing support for survivors. “We are determined not to forget the 41 souls who died and those still nursing wounds,” he said. He noted that many victims have returned home, some as out‑patients, and mentioned a woman who lost both legs. The government has provided her with prostheses, and her rehabilitation is progressing well, allowing her to lead a normal life.
State Commissioner for Infrastructure, Land and Housing Raimi Aminu commended Governor Akeredolu for remembering the departed and assured that the memorial park will be completed before the end of May 2023. Aminu explained that the site will include a museum and other facilities, creating a center of attraction that will beautify the city while preserving the memory of those who lost their lives. He expressed confidence that, by God’s grace, the project will be finished on schedule.
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