Details of how the gunmen who attacked St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State have emerged.
AFRIPOST recalls that gunmen suspected to be herdsmen stormed the church located in the centre of Owo town, shooting sporadically and detonating explosives at the alter.
An eyewitness who pleaded not to be mentioned told AFRIPOST that the incident happened almost at the close of the second mass.
He said the gunmen who came into the church premises in Gulf 4 car man the four points of the church, and started shooting sporadically.
According to him, the gunmen threw explosives at the alter while shooting at members. He said while the shooting was ongoing, they managed to lock the entrance door.
He said they were in the church for several minutes before the gunmen left.N
arrating further, he said over 50 church members were killed, while many are scattered across different hospitals in the state.
According to him, ” It difficult to tell the exact casualties figure. But I want to assure you that over 50 people were killed. We have some of the videos pointing to this fact.”
Meanwhile, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has lamented the attack, saying that the government will do everything possible to nab the criminals responsible for deadly act.
He said “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 the 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.” Akeredolu said.