‘Vile and Satanic Attack’: Gunmen Kill at Least 50 Worshippers, Including Children, at Nigerian Church

At least 50 people, many of them children, are feared dead after gunmen shot at worshippers and detonated explosives at a church in southwestern Nigeria on Pentecost Sunday.

Legislator Ogunmolasuyi Oluwole said the attackers descended upon St. Francis Catholic Church in Ondo state just as people started to gather for worship.

A priest was also reportedly abducted.

Adelegbe Timileyin, who represents the Owo area, said at least 50 were killed during that attack, however, that number is likely to rise.

Ondo Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu tweeted that the assailants “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 said in a separate tweet.