June 05, (THEWILL) – Scores of worshippers have been killed, following an attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Ondo State on Sunday.
Emerging reports suggest that many worshippers have died and several others have been left injured following the attack on the church, situated close to the palace of the Olowo of Owo.
According to local sources, no fewer than 50 corpses have been moved out of the church with many casualties lying at the Federal Medical Center, Owo, for medical attention.
They explained that the congregation was caught unawares, saying the casualty might be more, as some worshippers who were taken to the hospital have given up.
According to sources, the gunmen also used some explosives within the compound of the church, but said most of the people were hit by bullets.
The perpetrators were said to have fled the scene immediately they carried out the killing, leaving many people dead.
Some dead bodies were seen soaked with blood in the church in videos circulating on social media.
Meanwhile, the State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has expressed deep sadness over the incident.
The Governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, condemned the attack, describing it as a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom, who have enjoyed relative peace over the years.
The statement read: “It is a black Sunday in Owo. Our hearts are heavy. Our peace and tranquility have been attacked by the enemies of the people. This is a personal loss, an attack on our dear state.
“I have spoken to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, who is presently on his way to Owo. Similarly, I have had to cut short my party’s national assignment in Abuja and visit Owo immediately.
“This is an unexpected development. I am shocked to say the least. Nevertheless, We shall commit every available resource to hunt down these assailants and make them pay. We shall never bow to the machinations of heartless elements in our resolves to rid our state of criminals.
“I commiserate with my people in Owo, particularly families of those who lost their lives to this ugly and unfortunate attack. I extend my condolences to Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, as well as the Catholic Church.
“I urge our people to remain calm and vigilant. Do not take laws into your hands. I have spoken to the heads of the security agencies. I have equally been assured that security operatives would be deployed to monitor and restore normalcy to Owo kingdom.”
