Owo Massacre: CAN Says No One Should Die for Their Faith in Nigeria

Table of Contents

• Faith-based Violence as a Threat
• Condolence Visit to Bishop Arogundade
• Owo Massacre as a National Tragedy
• Call for Government Action
• Collective Responsibility of the Church
• Bishop Arogundade's Response

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern Nigeria, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, has stated that faith-based violence poses a significant threat to national unity and peaceful coexistence. He emphasized that no Nigerian should lose their life due to religion, ethnicity, or regional affiliation.

Hayab made these remarks in a statement released in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, while visiting to express condolences to the Catholic Bishop of the Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Jude Arogundade. This visit was in response to the tragic terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo in June 2022, which resulted in the deaths of over 40 worshippers during a Sunday Mass.

He characterized the Owo massacre and similar violent incidents across the country, particularly in the North, as a national tragedy.

The purpose of the visit, as outlined in the statement, was to personally connect with the diocese, offer encouragement to survivors and families, and reaffirm the solidarity of Northern Christians with communities affected by terrorism nationwide.

Hayab urged governments at all levels to prioritize the protection of lives and deliver justice for victims by taking decisive action against the perpetrators. He stated that peace and national cohesion cannot flourish in an environment filled with fear and impunity.

He expressed that no Nigerian deserves to die because of their faith, underscoring that the events in Owo are a concern for all Nigerians, as similar violence has been recurrent in the North, causing widespread pain.

During the visit, former Chairman of CAN in Ondo State and former President of the Ondo State Baptist Conference, Rev. Dr. Ayo Oladapo, referred to Bishop Arogundade as a paternal figure and a unifying voice for Christians in the state and beyond, noting that the suffering of any part of the Christian community impacts the entirety.

Leading the delegation to Bishop Arogundade, Rev. Fr. Anslem Ologunwa, Chairman of CAN in Ondo State, shared insights about his 15 years as Bishop of the diocese and 35 years in the priesthood.

He highlighted the care provided to victims, including a survivor who is now permanently in a wheelchair due to a double amputation, emphasizing that the pain of the victims is a collective responsibility for both the Church and the nation.

He also mentioned that around 60 children of the victims are receiving five-year scholarships through the church to attend various tertiary institutions, while the church continues to support families affected by the tragedy.

In his response, Bishop Arogundade expressed gratitude to Hayab for the visit, describing it as a powerful gesture of empathy and unity. He noted that this visit reinforced the message that the Church stands united across regions and denominations in the face of violence.

The Bishop praised the Kaduna State government for sponsoring the first Christmas carol aimed at countering the divisive legacy left by the previous administration, and he thanked certain political leaders for their efforts to unite the country.

He mourned the tragic loss of lives during the Owo massacre, recounting the horrific injuries sustained by some victims, including children, and appealed to government authorities to take decisive action to ensure that citizens can coexist peacefully.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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