A horrific attack on a Catholic Church in Nigeria has left at least 50 dead, including many children.
Gunmen reportedly descended on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo at 11:30 on Sunday, where parishioners were adorned in their best clothes for Pentecost Sunday and had just begun the Grace, the BBC reported.
The armed men set off dynamite, causing people to flee in terror, at which point they were fired upon.
“There was blood on the altar, blood on the floor, bodies on the pews,” the BBC reported.
“Dynamite residue still litters the church, while the vestry – where many hid – bears testimony to the chaos,” the report read. “Shoes, bible pages soaked in blood, purses and other personal belongings are still scattered about.”
According to Faithwire, a priest was also reportedly abducted.
Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who visited the scene, tweeted that the attackers “will be hunted down and they will pay for their crimes.”
I just arrived Owo from Abuja following the unfortunate attack on the people worshipping at the St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo.
I have received briefs from the Heads of Security agencies in the state. The assailants will be hunted down and they will pay for their crimes. pic.twitter.com/qIiydy2nh4
— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) June 5, 2022
“I am deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, worshiping at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Today,” he wrote on Twitter.
“The vile & satanic attack is a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years.”
I am deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, worshiping at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Today.
The vile & satanic attack is a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years. pic.twitter.com/30fMbfnOxc
— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) June 5, 2022
According to the BBC, the church is the center of the small, quiet community and many of its parishioners had attended regularly their whole lives.
If you appreciate the work we are doing for faith, family, and freedom, please consider a small donation to help us continue. Thank you so much!
