OWO, ONDO STATE – June 5, 2025 – Today marks the third anniversary of the heart-wrenching attack on innocent worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, a day etched in the memory of Ondo State and the nation as one of profound sorrow and enduring grief.
On June 5, 2022, a peaceful Sunday mass turned into a tragedy as gunmen launched a brutal assault on congregants, leaving scores dead and many others injured.
The shocking incident pierced the heart of a close-knit community and sent waves of mourning across Nigeria and beyond.
Upon receiving the devastating news while on national duty in Abuja, the then-Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, demonstrated swift leadership and deep compassion by cutting short his assignment and returning immediately to his people.
His presence during those trying hours offered solace and firm reassurance to a grieving community in desperate need of hope.
In the months that followed, Governor Akeredolu led the charge in demanding justice and providing critical support to survivors and bereaved families.
But his most lasting tribute is the Owo Memorial Park, a serene and solemn space erected near the site of the tragedy.
This park stands not only as a tribute to the lives lost but also as a testament to the resilience of the Owo people and the unwavering commitment of leadership to honour their memory.
The Owo Memorial Park features:
A symbolic monument engraved with the names of the victims
Prayer gardens and reflection benches for quiet mourning
A flame of remembrance that burns in honour of those taken too soon
Annual commemorative gatherings hosted by the state and local clergy
Today, families, religious leaders, government officials, and members of the public are expected to gather at the park to observe moments of silence, offer prayers, and light candles in remembrance of the victims.
Victims Remembered:
The following individuals tragically lost their lives in the attack:
1. Chukwudiorinya Onuoha (60) – A university gardener and devoted father.
2. Deborah Onuoha (54) – A compassionate petty trader and mother.
3. Caroline Agboola (68) – A beloved akara vendor and widow.
4. Dr. Adesina Ajanaku – A Catholic Knight and former school principal.
5. Lady Dr. Olabimpe Ajanaku – A dedicated educator and devout Catholic.
6. Veginus Nwani – A father who perished alongside his daughter.
7. Chidiogo Nwani (11) – A young girl taken too soon.
8. Bridget Ozurumba – A mother whose son survived the attack.
9. Christiana Oladepe Olajide – A cherished member of the community.
10. Regina Nnabife – A life lost in the pursuit of faith.
11. Umunna Okafor – A victim whose memory endures.
12. Oluwatoyin Akinyemi – A soul remembered by loved ones.
13. Obuche – A life extinguished in the house of worship.
14. Ugwummadu Ekene – A young life taken in the sanctuary.
15. Njoku Emmanuel Chukwuemeka – A man of faith and family.
16. Omolola Monogbe – A woman whose spirit lives on.
17. Eze Chikamso – A life lost in the service of God.
18. Anthony Onuyi Ojapah – A devoted parishioner and father.
19. John Bosede Testimony – A man whose faith was unwavering.
20. Mathilda Ogungbade – A cherished member of the congregation.
21. Mrs. Justinah Ugwumadu – A mother and community pillar.
22. Edwin Loveth – A young life taken in the house of worship.
23. Onileke Esther Ilerioluwa – A girl whose potential was cut short.
24. Funmilola Madinat – A soul remembered by her peers.
25. Ugwummadu Ekene – A young life lost in the sanctuary.
26. Fabian ‘Emeka’ Nweke – A man whose memory endures.
27. Mrs. Deborah Onuoha – A mother whose legacy lives on.
28. Mr. Chukwudi Onuoha – A father and community member.
29. Mrs. Justinah Ugumadu – A woman of faith and strength.
30. Ndegbe Gift – A life taken in the pursuit of worship.
31. Okefi Cordelia – A soul remembered by her family.
32. Onah Chijioke – A man whose faith was steadfast.
33. Sunday Mary – A woman whose spirit lives on.
34. Ekun Roseline Funmilayo – A cherished member of the community.
35. Omolola Monogbe – A woman whose memory endures.
36. Eze Chikamso – A life lost in the service of God.
37. Anthony Onuyi Ojapah – A devoted parishioner and father.
38. John Bosede Testimony – A man whose faith was unwavering.
39. Monogbe Omolayo John – A man remembered by his peers.
40. Mathilda Ogungbade – A cherished member of the congregation.
“We will never forget,” said a local resident. “This memorial keeps their spirits alive and reminds us that evil shall never triumph over our faith, unity, and humanity.”
As Ondo State reflects on the past, the memory of the St. Francis victims lives on — not just in stone and flame, but in the hearts of a community forever changed, yet unbroken.
