Nigeria was thrown into a state of mourning as over 50 people were massacred in Owo, Ondo state on Sunday, 5th June,2022.
It was gathered that worshippers were rained bullets after a just concluded service.
The gunmen who masked as worshippers entered into Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, and rained bullets on the worshippers especially women and children.
The governor of the state,His excellency Rotimi Akeredolu condemned the gruesome killings of the worshippers.
In a press release,Governor Akeredolu stated “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.
“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 resolve to rid our state of criminals.”
The shootout which happened in the hometown of the Executive Governor of the state, has provoked various reactions from Nigerians as people condemned the killing of innocent lives by the Gunmen.
According a situation report, an eye witness stated that the gunmen came into the church premises, threw an explosive, before they started shooting the congregant.
In his words, he said “We saw them. They didn’t cover their faces. Initially, we thought that they were going into the church for the service, not knowing that they were gunmen. Suddenly, we heard gunshots. They directed the gun at everyone, particularly women and children.
“While the attack lasted, we did not see any security operative to confront the gunmen. We could not even count their number because everybody had to run for safety.
I was going home, when they struck, it was like a war front” another survivor stated.
It was gathered that over 50 persons were rushed to the hospital after the sporadic shooting ended, of which so many were feared dead on arrival and others injured.
