Gunmen opened fireplace on worshippers and detonated explosives at a Catholic church in southwestern Nigeria on Sunday, leaving dozens feared lifeless, state lawmakers mentioned.
Legislator Ogunmolasuyi Oluwole mentioned the attackers focused the St. Francis Catholic Church in Ondo state simply because the worshippers gathered on Pentecost Sunday. Among the lifeless had been many kids, he mentioned. Adelegbe Timileyin, who represents the Owo space in Nigeria’s decrease legislative chamber, mentioned the presiding priest was kidnapped as properly.
“Our hearts are heavy,” Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu tweeted Sunday. “Our peace and tranquility have been attacked by the enemies of the people.”
Authorities didn’t instantly launch an official dying toll. Timileyin mentioned no less than 50 individuals had been killed, although others put the determine increased. Videos showing to be from the scene of the assault confirmed church worshippers mendacity in swimming pools of blood whereas individuals round them wailed.
It was not instantly clear who was behind the assault on the church. While a lot of Nigeria has struggled with safety points, Ondo is extensively often known as one in all Nigeria’s most peaceable states. The state, although, has been caught up in a rising violent battle between farmers and herders.
Nigeria’s safety forces didn’t instantly reply to enquiries as to how the assault occurred or if there are any leads about suspects. Owo is about 345 kilometres (215 miles) east of Lagos.
“In the history of Owo, we have never experienced such an ugly incident,” mentioned lawmaker Oluwole. “This is too much.”
Source: www.thehindu.com
