The Catholic Dioceses of Ondo, in Ondo State, has reacted to the terrorists’ attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, during service on Sunday, June 5, 2022.
In a statement by Rev. Father Augustine Iku, the Director, Social Communication, the church stated that gunmen armed with explosives devices had invaded the church while service was going on and attacked the worshippers.
However, contrary to the news on social media, no priest was abducted by the gunmen.
The church confirmed that many worshippers were killed with several injured and also the identity of the gunmen was not yet known.
The statement titled, “Attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria” reads in parts:
“It is Pentecost Sunday when every Catholic is expected to be in Church to commemorate the Solemnity. It is so sad to say that while the Holy Mass was going on, unknown Gunmen attacked St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State. Leaving many feared dead and many others injured and the Church violated. The identity of the perpetrators remains unknow while the situation has left the community devastated.
“However, for now, security agencies have been deployed to the community to relatively handle the situation. At this point in the history of our dear country Nigeria, we need God’s ultimate intervention to restore peace and tranquility.
“Meanwhile, all the Priests and Bishop in the parish are safe and non was kidnapped as the social media has it. Nonetheless, let us continue to pray for them and the good people of Owo and the state at large.
“We turn to God to console the families of those whose lives were lost to this distressing incident, and we pray for the departed souls to rest in peace. Amen.”
Comments 1