The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Northern Nigeria, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, has emphasized that faith-based violence poses a significant threat to national unity and peaceful coexistence. He stressed that no Nigerian deserves to be killed due to their religion, tribe, or section. Hayab made these remarks during a condolence visit to the Catholic Bishop of the Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Jude Arogundade, over the June 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, which resulted in the loss of over 40 lives during a Sunday Mass.
The visit aimed to show solidarity with the diocese, encourage survivors and families, and reaffirm the support of Northern Christians for communities affected by terror attacks nationwide. Hayab described the Owo massacre and similar attacks in other parts of the country, particularly in the North, as a national tragedy. He urged governments at all levels to prioritize the protection of lives and ensure justice for victims by taking decisive action against perpetrators, stating that peace and national cohesion cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and impunity.
Rev. Dr. Ayo Oladapo, former Chairman of CAN in Ondo State, praised Bishop Arogundade as a unifying voice for Christians, noting that the suffering of one part of the Christian body affects the whole. The Chairman of CAN in Ondo State, Rev. Fr. Anslem Ologunwa, highlighted the church’s efforts to support victims, including providing scholarships to about 60 children of the victims in various tertiary institutions.
Bishop Arogundade thanked Hayab for the visit, describing it as a strong gesture of empathy and unity. He appealed to government authorities to take decisive action to ensure that citizens can live together in peace, lamenting the brutal loss of lives during the Owo massacre. The Bishop also commended the Kaduna State government for sponsoring a Christmas carol aimed at promoting unity.
The Owo attack has had a lasting impact on the community, with many still recovering from the trauma. The church continues to support families affected by the tragedy, demonstrating the importance of solidarity and collective responsibility in the face of violence. As Nigeria grapples with the challenges of faith-based violence, the visit by Rev. Hayab and the response by Bishop Arogundade underscore the need for unity and decisive action to ensure peace and national cohesion.
