Twenty-five people were killed in a terrorists’ attack at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria.
The Ondo State Police Command has already confirmed the attack.
Owo is the hometown of Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The explosion, which occurred on Sunday morning during worship, resulting in the death of several people while others were injured, triggering tension in the area as some residents were said to have moved out of the town to ensure their safety.
A top official of the Catholic Church in Ondo State put the number of those killed at 25 while several others were injured.
Sources confirmed that the attackers followed the explosion with gunshots and knife attack.
The church is at the back of the palace of the paramount ruler of Owo, the Olowo.
A video of the attack showed several dead worshippers with machete cuts in their bodies.
The State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Odunlami Ibukun, confirmed the incident at the scene of the explosion for an on-the-spot assessment, said details of the casualty would be communicated in a statement shortly.
She said, “we are currently at the scene of the incident to access damages made. It is not like what have been trending on social media. We will soon issue statement to give you details of what happened.”
Meanwhile, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, said he is deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, worshiping at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, on Sunday.
The Governor said the vile and satanic attack is a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years.
According to the statement of the Governor released by Richard Olatunde, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor: “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.
“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.
“I urge our people to remain calm and vigilant. Do not take laws into your hands. I have spoken to the heads of the security agencies. I have equally been assured that security operatives would be deployed to monitor and restore normalcy to Owo kingdom.”
