Northern CAN Leaders storm Ondo, reaches out to victims of insurgency in two communities
By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
Owo, the ancient town in Ondo State, on Monday relived its pain and resilience as the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, led a humanitarian outreach to survivors and families affected by the St. Francis Catholic Church massacre.
In a gesture aimed at easing suffering and reinforcing national solidarity, Northern CAN distributed 25 kilogramme bags of rice and yam to no fewer than 1,000 residents.
Another community targeted in Ondo for the humanitarian intervention is Gbalegi, Idanre where many were injured from a recent communal clash.
The intervention, supported by the United Kingdom based Barnabas Aid Foundation, was part of efforts to identify with victims of insurgency and violent attacks, particularly those still bearing the scars of the Owo tragedy.
Dressed in black to signify mourning, Hayab condemned the gruesome attack that claimed over 40 lives and left many others injured. He described the massacre as a dark chapter in Nigeria’s history and offered prayers for the bereaved, declaring that affliction would not rise a second time in the land.
The Northern CAN chairman assured the victims that the association would continue to press for justice until the perpetrators are punished.
According to him, accountability remains critical to preventing future attacks and restoring confidence in the sanctity of human life.
The visit took on a deeply personal tone when Hayab paid a stop at the residence of Adeseluka Rasheedat, one of the victims who could not attend the event due to a spinal injury sustained during the attack. Bedridden for three years, Rasheedat narrated how repeated plans for surgery had been frustrated by lack of funds, leaving her incapacitated and dependent on others.
She appealed to government, non governmental organisations and well meaning Nigerians to come to her aid, expressing hope that timely intervention would enable her to walk again and reclaim her life.
Another survivor, Mrs. Attah Folarin Margret, recounted how the attack cost her both legs, confining her to a wheelchair. She pleaded for assistance to acquire artificial limbs, saying financial constraints had made it impossible for her to access prosthetic support.
Several other victims, including those who lost parents, children and siblings, also shared their experiences, calling for sustained support and rehabilitation. Many expressed appreciation to Northern CAN and Barnabas Aid for the timely intervention, praying for divine reward for the donors.
In his welcome address, the Ondo State Chairman of CAN, Rev. Fr. Anselm Olorunfemi Ologunwa, described the visit as a powerful demonstration of unity across regional and religious lines.
He said the presence of Northern Christian leaders in Owo underscored the fact that the pain of one part of the country is felt by all.
Ologunwa noted that beyond the rice distributed, additional relief materials including beans, palm oil, groundnut oil, garri, salt, maggi and other seasonings are expected to arrive later to further support affected families.
He added that Nigeria is facing a multifaceted security crisis that has displaced thousands and destroyed livelihoods, stressing the need for political will, justice and collective resolve to restore peace.
According to him, the Owo tragedy should serve as a rallying point for renewed commitment to unity, compassion and national healing.
As the outreach drew to a close, the atmosphere in Owo reflected both grief and gratitude.
While the wounds of the massacre remain deep, the show of solidarity from Northern CAN offered a measure of hope that even in tragedy, humanity and brotherhood can still prevail.
Other relief materials such as beans, palm oil, groundnut oil, garri, salt, maggi and other seasonings according to Hayab will arrive later.
