Nigerian Catholic Diocese Condemns Demolition of Memorial Park in Honor of 2022 Pentecost Sunday Massacre Victims

Ondo, 27 June, 2025 / 10:54 PM

Bishop Jude Ayodeji Arogundade of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo in Nigeria has condemned the June 22 demolition of the Memorial Park in Owo, describing it as a violation of the memory and dignity of the 41 victims of the June 2022 Pentecost Sunday massacre at St. Francis Xavier Owo Catholic Parish.

In a statement issued Wednesday, June 25, Bishop Ayodeji expresses “shock and sadness” over the State Government’s decision to demolish the site, which had been established to honour the innocent worshippers killed during the terrorist attack.

“The Catholic Diocese of Ondo unequivocally condemns and finds unacceptable the sudden and unannounced demolition of the Memorial Park in Owo,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop says.

He adds, “This site, established by the State Government, served as a neutral and communal space for remembrance, reflection, and communal healing after the June 5, 2022, terrorist attack.”

“Its demolition seems to have renewed the pain of everyone who was affected by the attack, and justifiably so,” the Catholic Church leader laments.

Bishop Ayodeji says he had written to the Governor of Ondo State “immediately after the demolition became public, requesting an official audience to understand the reasons behind the action.”

However, he says in his June 25 statement, “more than 72 hours later, the Church has received no response from the Governor’s office.”

“There is no doubt that the demolition is a violation of our common respect for the dignity of life and the memory we share,” Bishop Ayodeji further laments, and emphasizes that the site had been “legitimately acquired and developed by the State Government and publicly designated as a Memorial Park.”

He recalls that he had previously addressed concerns raised by some individuals who “mistook the site for a graveyard due to its proximity to the Olowo’s Palace. At the time, the Diocese clarified that the park was not a burial ground, but a place of memorial and communal healing.”

The Local Ordinary of Ondo since November 2010 says his Episcopal See is seeking clarification from the State Government on three key issues: the official reason behind the sudden demolition, whether the site will be relocated, redeveloped, or permanently removed, and the government’s plans to honour the victims of the massacre.

He laments the lack of consultation before the demolition, especially given the park’s significance to the families of the victims and the wider community.

“Our silent approach is rooted in respect for due process, dialogue, and constructive engagement, so as to prevent the spread of misinformation and to maintain peace, mutual respect, and communal understanding within the State,” Bishop Ayodeji says.

He emphasizes the Diocese’s commitment to preserving the memory of the deceased and to working with government authorities and other stakeholders to ensure peace and justice prevail.

“We trust that through open dialogue and respect for due process, this matter will be resolved in a manner that upholds the dignity of the victims and the collective heritage of our people,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop says.