On Sunday, Terrorist gunmen staged a deadly attack on a Catholic church in southwest Nigeria, killing at least 50 people, including women and children.
The country’s top authorities are promising to make every resource available to track down those responsible and bring them to justice.
According to Reuters, the gunmen, whose identities remain a mystery, fired at people outside and within the building, slaughtering numerous Christians, said Funmilayo Ibukun Odunlami, the police spokeswoman for Ondo state.
Health officials told the broadcaster that at least 35 people had died, and their bodies were transported to a local hospital, while local doctors told Reuters that at least 50 people had died.
Reuters reported:
“A doctor at a hospital in Owo told Reuters that at least 50 bodies had been brought in to two hospitals in the town from the attack. The doctor, who declined to be named because he is not authorized to speak to the press, also said there was a need for blood donations to treat the injured.”
While there have been no claims of responsibility, the Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram has targeted churches in northern Nigeria in previous years.
Ondo State Gov. Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu wrote on Twitter:
“I am deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, worshiping at the St. Francis Catholic Church today. The vile & satanic attack is a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years.”
I am deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, worshiping at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Today.
The vile & satanic attack is a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years. pic.twitter.com/30fMbfnOxc
— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) June 5, 2022
He continued:
“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.”
Akeredolu said that he has spoken with the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, and that the church official was on his way to the scene along with Akeredolu, who had to cut short a work trip to return to the area.
“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 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.”
The attack was also condemned by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who described it as “heinous.”
”No matter what, this country shall never give in to evil and wicked people, and darkness will never overcome the light. Nigeria will eventually win.”
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