Suspected bandits have attacked a St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State , while service was ongoing , leaving dozens dead and several injured.
According to reports , the gunmen used explosives which led to a blast that rocked the church premises.
Witnesses disclosed that at least 50 dead bodies have been moved out of the church while some injured persons have been taken to Federal Medical Center, Owo, for medical attention.
The perpetrators were said to have fled the scene immediately they carried out the killing, leaving many people dead.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, said the command was yet to ascertain the cause of the incident.
“The Commissioner of Police is on his way to the scene to ascertain the cause of the incident. We have been hearing many things about it but I will get back to you,” she said.
However, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who commiserated with the people of Owo , has expressed deep sadness over what he calls an unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, worshiping at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street.
He vowed to put in all necessary resources to hunt down and apprehend the assailants.
“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” he added.
#OWO #IGBOHO #EXPLOSION #APCPRIMARIES #LAGOS
GLOBETELLY 