On June 5, 2022, over 40 worshipers who had gathered for morning mass at Saint Francis Catholic Cathedral, Owo, Ondo State, were attacked and killed by gunmen.
The unidentified gunmen were said to have fled the crime scene leaving behind dead bodies and injured worshippers, sending shockwaves across Nigeria.
Many of the injured victims were taken to the Federal Medical Centre and St. Louis Hospital, both in Owo for treatment.
However, ten months after the terror attack that saw the country weep, St. Francis Catholic Cathedral reopened temporarily on Sunday for the Easter mass celebration.
The Bishop of the Ondo Catholic Diocese, Jude Arogundade, announced the development on Saturday.
“Since the unfortunate incident that befell our members at the Saint Francis Cathedral in Owo on June 5, 2022, the church has been closed down for security reasons and as a mark of respect for our fallen brothers and sisters.
“The church shall be opened again for Easter Sunday. The government of Ondo state is as well planning to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the massacre in honor of our fallen heroes,” the clergy said.
In pictures shared by some worshippers on Sunday, the church looked filled up, with members sitting quietly while listening to the gospel.
