The Bishops of Lagos and Ibadan Ecclesiastical Provinces have appealed to Ondo state government to release a strategic piece of land in Owo for the burial of victims of June 5 massacre.
The Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Jude Arogundade stated this on Thursday when the Bishops of Lagos and Ibadan Ecclesiastical Provinces visited St. Francis in Owo where the incident happened.
They are Bishops Adeleke Abegunrin (Ibadan Archdiocese), Jude Arogundade (Ondo Diocese), Felix Femi Ajakaye (Ekiti Diocese), Very Rev. Fr. Anselm Pendo Láwàní (Diocesan Administrator of Ilorin Diocese), John Akin Oyejola (Osogbo Diocese), Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo (Oyo Diocese), Francis Obafemi Adesina (Ijebu-Ode Diocese) and Bishop emeritus of Ondo Diocese, Francis Folorunso Alonge.
TheFact Nigeria gathered that a protest procession headed by the head of the market women in Owo had taken place and was culminated in a prayer session against the perpetrators.
According to a statement made available through the office of the National Directorate of Social Communications of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja, the local ordinary of Ondo diocese said, getting a befitting grave site for the dead would shame the perpetrators.
The Bishop while condemning the act said it is unacceptable and he wants something to be done in ensuring a non-repeat of this ugly incident.
Bishop Jude said, “we have to let these evil doers know that we cannot be defeated and that when we come out, we come out strong.” Getting a place of burial would make a statement that shames the perpetrators of this havoc,” he said.
The Metropolitan of Ibadan Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, condemned the act vehemently and described it as fighting against God.
He said God will take up the fight against the evil doers.
Furthermore, he charged the government to pull all efforts together to make sure anyone involved in this horrible killing of unarmed innocent people be brought to face timely justice.
He commended the Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu for his bold steps and promise made in ensuring that the perpetrators are apprehended.
Responding to the Bishops, the Governor appreciated the Bishops, Priests and everyone present at the exclusive meeting. He further condemned the killings and reiterated his assurance on the gunmen being trailed, caught, and made to face the law.
