Hundreds of worshippers are believed to have been killed in an ambush explosion that shook a Catholic Church in Ondo State on Sunday.
The blast happened at St Francis Catholic Church in Ondo’s Owo LGA.
According to reports, the explosion killed several people and injured many more, while the gunmen killed additional people with their rifles.
While some reports place the death toll at around 28, others claim there were more than 50 people dead.
The Olowo of Owo’s palace is just behind the worship center.
According to witnesses, the incident was carried out by bandits who were likely trying to send a message to state governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Meanwhile, the governor has promised that his administration will go after the perpetrators.
The governor called the attack “vile and diabolical,” describing it as a “planned assault” on the people of Owo.
“In Owo, it’s a bleak Sunday.” Our hearts are laden with sorrow. The enemies of the people have targeted our calm and tranquillity. “This is a personal tragedy, as well as an attack on our beloved state,” he stated.
“I spoke with Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, who is currently on his way to Owo. Similarly, I had to cancel my party’s national assignment in Abuja in order to get to Owo right away.
“This is a surprising turn of events. To say the least, I’m stunned. Nonetheless, we will devote every available resource to tracking down and punishing these assailants.
In our efforts to cleanse our state of criminals, we will never yield to the schemes of callous elements.”
