According to reports from Nigeria, dozens were killed by terrorists at St. Francis Catholic Church, in the southwestern Nigerian State Of Ondo. The attackers targeted parishioners who were celebrating Pentecost Sunday, with terrorists firing weapons into the congregation and detonating explosives. The terrorists also took a priest.
A spokesperson for Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari stated that only “friends” from the nether regions could have perpetrated such a vile act. Buhari called the attack “heinous,” and promised that no matter what, “This nation will not give in to evil people or wicked peoples, and light will not conquer darkness.” Buhari was elected to make Nigeria safer.
According to the New York Post “It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack on the church.” Although security is a concern in many parts of Nigeria, Ondo has a reputation for being one of the most peaceful and secure states in Nigeria.
Pope Francis is the head of the Catholic Church and issued the following statement via Vatican Press Office. Pope Francis prays for the victims of the attack on the Ondo church in Nigeria and the loss of dozens of worshippers during Pentecost celebrations. The pope entrusts both the victims and the country to the Lord to comfort them.
Ondogov. Arakunrin Akeredolu posted a statement on Twitter:
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
This thread reads:
Today’s unprovoked attack and murder of innocent Owo worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church is deeply troubling.
This vicious and satanic attack on the peaceful people of Owo Kingdom targets them, who have enjoyed relative peace in the past.
It is a dark Sunday here in Owo. We are grieving. It is a personal loss as well as an attack on the beloved state.
I spoke with Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo. My party had to end its national assignment in Abuja to allow me to visit Owo immediately.
This is an unexpected development. It is shocking. In our determination not to allow the state to become a criminal haven, we will not yield to the demands of selfish individuals.
My condolences to the Owo people and their families for this terrible attack.
I send my condolences to Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye and Olowo Of Owo.
Akeredolu advised people “remain calmed, and vigilant.” Akeredolu said that people should not “take the law into their own hands” and added that he had spoken with heads of security agencies.
I was at the scene of the terror attack on innocent worshipers at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, today. I also visited the hospitals where survivors of the attack are receiving medical attention.
The attack was the most dastardly act that could happen in any society. pic.twitter.com/I8xv80CTfL
— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) June 5, 2022
While we wait to hear more about the attack on the mosque, prayers are being offered for the victims and their families.
