UPDATED: Scores dead as gunmen invade church in Gov Akeredolu’s hometown

Scores of worshippers, including children, died on Sunday when some gunmen invaded St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, the hometown of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State.

Some worshippers also sustained various degrees of injuries and have been rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for treatment.

It was learnt that the incident happened in the church, which is less than 200 meters away from the Palace of Olowo of Owo.

According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen stormed the church while service was going on and opened fire on the congregation.

One of the eyewitnesses who craved anonymity stated that the worshippers were caught off guard when the attackers arrived.

He added that the number of casualties could be higher because some attendees who were taken to the hospital gave up the ghost.

On condition of anonymity, a nurse in Owo disclosed that there are insufficient medical professionals on duty to attend to the injured victims in the hospital’s emergency unit, while some of the casualties have been transferred to private hospitals.

A source in the palace told our correspondent that there is tension and panic in the area.

He said, “The church that was attacked was at the back of the palace and we are still wondering how gunmen could carry out such an attack at the centre of the town. This is unbelievable. Kabiyesi will soon issue a statement on the incident.”

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, said the command was yet to ascertain the cause of the incident.

“The CP (Commissioner of Police) is on his way to the scene to ascertain the cause of the incident. We have been hearing so many things about it but I will get back to you.”

Meanwhile, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has expressed sadness over Sunday’s attack at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, and vowed to hunt down the masterminds of the assault.

He said this in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, shortly after the attack which killed many.

“It is a black Sunday in Owo. Our hearts are heavy. Our peace and tranquillity have been attacked by the enemies of the people. This is a personal loss, an attack on our dear state,” Governor Akeredolu said.

“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.”

The governor, who commiserated with the families of the victims, vowed to fish out the culprits.

“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,” the statement added.

“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.”

Governor Akeredolu called for the people to remain calm, assuring them that “security operatives would be deployed to monitor and restore normalcy to Owo kingdom”.

Newsflash Nigeria is an online newspaper that is developed and written exclusively for Nigerians. It’s packed with up-to-the-minute Local and National Economy News, Share & Capital Market, Health, Sports, Education, Technology, Business and Opinions.

To make further advert enquiries or place an order, please contact us at [email protected] and +2348053316946 and WhatsApp number 08033546732