Emerging reports suggest that many worshippers have died and several others have been left injured following the explosion at the church, which is situated close to the palace of the Olowo of Owo.
According to local sources, no fewer than 50 corpses have been moved out of the church with many casualties lying at the Federal Medical Center, Owo, for medical attention.
They explained that they caught the congregation unawares, saying the casualty might be more as some worshippers who were taken to the hospital have given up.
According to sources, the gunmen also used some explosives within the compound of the church but said most of the people were hit by bullets.they said the perpetrators fled the scene immediately they carried out the killing, leaving many people dead.
Owo Attack: We Will Hunt Down Assailants, Make Them Pay – Akeredolu
•Condemns Attack, Condoles With Families of The Victims
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, 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 vile and satanic attack is a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years.
“It is a black Sunday in Owo. Our hearts are heavy. The enemies of the people has attacked our peace and tranquility. 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. 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 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. They have equally assured me that they would deploy security operatives to monitor and restore normalcy to Owo kingdom.” Akeredolu said.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
June 5, 2022.
Sapphire strokes 