The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the demolition of the Owo massacre cenotaph by the Ondo State government.

The organisation described the action of the state government as a desecration of sacred memory and an affront to Nigeria’s Christian community.

The cenotaph, built in honour of over 40 worshippers killed during the June 5, 2022, terrorist attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, was erected under the administration of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

HURIWA said the memorial stood as a solemn tribute to innocent lives lost in one of the deadliest attacks on a place of worship in recent Nigerian history.

HURIWA National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, in a statement on Friday, described the demolition as an unprovoked assault on the memory of the slain, and a brutal affront to Christian sensibilities.

Onwubiko argued that the Memorial Park was more than a symbolic structure, saying it served as a place to honour innocent Nigerians slain in one of the worst terrorist attacks on a place of worship in recent history.

He said its destruction amounts to a reckless attempt to distort memory and silence grief.

“This mindless act of demolition is a direct insult to the souls of the deceased, a revictimisation of their families, and a wicked erasure of a tragic chapter that should never be forgotten. To wilfully destroy such a sacred monument is a brutal affront to Christian sensibilities and a reckless attempt to distort historical memory.

“The demolition is not only insensitive but deeply provocative. It sends a chilling message to victims of terrorism across the country that their pain can be bulldozed by political whims. That is unacceptable and reprehensible,” the group stated.

Onwubiko also criticised what it termed insolent and disgraceful remarks made by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa through his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, against the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Jude Arogundade.

The group also warned against attempts to undermine or rubbish the legacy of the late Governor Akeredolu, who it said demonstrated courage and fairness by immortalising the victims of the Owo massacre.

HURIWA noted that late Governor Akeredolu was one of the few Nigerian leaders who spoke boldly against terrorism and the growing religious intolerance plaguing the country.

It said: “That the governor would attempt to vilify and cast aspersions on Bishop Arogundade, who has consistently stood for peace, truth, and justice, shows an alarming lack of respect for the Church and for moral leadership. This disgraceful behaviour must not be condoned. We demand that the governor tender an unreserved public apology to the Bishop and to the Christian community at large,” the association said.

“It is shameful that Governor Aiyedatiwa, who inherited a state still reeling from the trauma of a terror attack, would allow his administration to dishonour the memory of a statesman who stood fearlessly against Islamic extremism and championed justice for the victims. That the Olowo of Owo, who was installed by Akeredolu, could remain silent in the face of this sacrilege is equally disturbing,” the statement added.

HURIWA called for the immediate rebuilding of the demolished cenotaph at the same location and at the expense of the Ondo State Government.

It also urged Christian leaders across Nigeria and international human rights organisations to speak up against what it termed a “dangerous precedent” that must not go unchallenged.

“If this demolition is allowed to stand, it will embolden others to desecrate other monuments built in honour of victims of terrorism, and will further alienate Christian communities already enduring marginalisation and violence. We will not allow history to be rewritten or sacred memories erased,” HURIWA warned.

The group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and caution public officeholders against actions that could incite religious or communal unrest.