Ondo Attack: Gunmen Attack church in Owo

Gunmen have attacked a Catholic church identified as St Francis Catholic church in Owa-Luwa Street, Owo LGA in Ondo State on Sunday morning during a mass service. Owo is the town where the State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu hailed from.

It was recorded that no little than 40 people mostly women and children were feared killed due to the attack.

It was also recorded that the church is not far from the Olowo of Owo’s palace.

A video spreading online shows bodies of some of the church members lying in pool of blood in the church building.

Olabamiji, a resident of the area said the gunmen camouflaged as church members but later opened fire on the Church members and threw explosives in the church, he added.

“We saw them, they didn’t hide their faces, first we thought they were going for service without knowing they were gunmen, we suddenly heard gunshots; they pointed the gun at anyone seen especially women and children.”

“At the time of the attack, we did not see any security operative to confront them.We did not even know their number because everyone ran for safety.This is very sad. The gunmen left immediately they were through and no one checked them.

A health worker on duty at the Federal Medical Center, Owo where the emergencies were taken to said over 50 people were brought and many were dead already while others are still alive.

“They are still bringing more people, Some have been verified dead while others are still alive, but for now I can’t state the number of people who have died. He said.

A nurse at St.Louis Hospital, Owo who pleaded anonymous said that many emergencies were brought to the hospital and he was able to count 12 who were dead on arrival.

He said, “many emergencies have been brought to the hospital and I have counted 12 now that have died though we are still trying to save lives of the others.”

According to the Punch, a source from the Palace who pleaded anonymous said the area was surrounded with tension and fear.

He said, ‘the church attacked was at the back of the palace and we are still suprised at how gunmen could carry out an attack at the Central eye of the town. This is unbelievable. Kabiyesi would soon give out a statement on the attack.

Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami the State’s Police Public Relations Officer confirming the incident said the command is yet to determine the cause of the attack and the number of emergencies.

She said, “the State Commissioner of Police is on his way to the location to determine the cause of the attack.We have been hearing so many things but I will get back to you.”

The Ondo State Police command also posted on its Twitter handle stating:The Ondo State Police command is conscious of the Owo attack. we will give you the full news later. We want to entreat the people of the state to remain calm as all security set-up has been put in place to ensure peace in the area.

The CP has arranged an anti-bomb team at the location and efforts are being made to bring the criminals to book.