The Ondo State government has pledged continuous support to families of victims of June 5, 2022, gunmen attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo.

The state’s deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who led other state executive council members to a memorial mass in the church on Saturday in Owo, said it was indeed a black Sunday for the people of Ondo State and Nigeria.

The attack on the church left 41 persons dead, with several people injured.

Mr Aiyedatiwa appreciated Governor Rotimi Akeredolu for all he had done for the victims and survivors.

The deputy governor revealed that each survivor had got N500,000 in two tranches, adding that the state government had also built a memorial park in honour of those that lost their lives in the incident.

Mr Aiyedatiwa said all the injured persons’ bills were settled by the state government and appreciated all those that donated to the victims somehow.

“Ondo Government, since this incident happened, have done so much to support the families of those who have lost their loved ones. We appreciate the governor for all he has done on this disaster,” he said.

Mr Aiyedatiwa said the state government would continue to protect and support all citizens and residents, irrespective of tribe and religion, as the state placed a high premium on the lives and dignity of human beings.

In his homily, the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade, said the gathering was not intended to re-enact their anger but an opportunity to show to the world how the victims have healed in Christ.

(NAN)