Attack on Church in Southwestern Nigeria Kills at Least 50

Nigerian medical sources and media outlets reported that an armed attack by a group on a Catholic church in southwestern Nigeria left at least 50 dead, including women and children.

A spokesman for the police in Ondo State in Nigeria said attackers opened fire on worshippers inside and outside the church on Sunday during a Holy communion service.

The Nigerian police official did not specify how many were killed or injured at Saint Francis Catholic Church in the Owo town, only adding that police are investigating the cause of the attack.

Arakunrin Akeredolu, governor of Ondo State, who visited the scene of the attack and the wounded in hospitals, called Sunday’s attack a “massacre” that should not be allowed to happen again.

The identity and motive of the attackers remain unclear. Northeastern Nigeria has been the scene of multiple attacks by Islamist insurgents and criminal armed groups who often kidnap people for ransom. However, such attacks are very rare in southwestern Nigeria.

Muhammadu Buhari, president of Nigeria, condemned the attack and called it “heinous.” The Vatican also said that Pope Francis is praying for the victims of the attack.

Reports indicate that the bishop and priests of Saint Francis Church survived the attack. However, according to medical sources, at least 50 bodies have been transferred to two hospitals in the region.

Regional hospitals have also asked the public to donate blood to help the wounded from the incident.

Source: Radio Farda