7 years after, St Finbars Catholic Church Rayfield in Jos, Plateau State
remembered 14 victims who lost their lives as a result of the March
11th 2012 bomb blast with a memorial mass and a memorial fountain
erected on the premises of the church.
In a homily Rev Fr Emmanuel Kundum encouraged the congregation saying
though it seems like a difficult thing for everyone affected Jesus has
assured us in his word, taking his reading from the book of John 14:1
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in
me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I
have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you” .
Bar Thaddeus Okonkwo from the Arc diocese of Abuja made an appeal on
behalf of the victims family “we should not forget the pain and agonies
of family remembering them in prayers”, he also called on the public to
be security conscious at all times.
In his message on behalf of the families of the victims, Mr Choji said
the loss is not just for the family or the Catholic Church but for
everyone. He appealed for support from the public to families who left
behind loved ones.
The representative of the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Obinna
Simon who also gave the vote of thanks said the police is ready to
partner with the church to not only curtail security challenges but to
make sure that this do not happen again.
Highlight of the memorial mass is the unveiling of a memorial fountain
at the church premises by Arc Bishop of Jos Diocese, Ignatius kaigama in
remembrance of those that died that faithful day as a result of the
bomb blast.
Those present at the memorial mass include the Long Gamai of Shendam,
His Royal Majesty, Miskoom Martin Mudu’utrie Shaldas, The Gwom Rei of
Kuru and Zawan, The Representative of the Commissioner of Police among
many others.
