The Catholic Diocese of Ondo has scheduled a mass burial for the victims of the June 5 terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria.
Rev. Fr. Augustine Ikwu, the Diocese of Ondo’s Director of Social Communication, confirmed the development.
He stated that the mass burial would be held at a new cemetery on Emure Road in Owo.
Recall that over two weeks ago, terrorists killed over 40 people in the attack, and many others were injured to varying degrees.
This incident prompted churches in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria, to increase their security apparatus.
On Sunday, sources in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, observed an unusual increase in police operatives and checks in some of the city’s churches.
It was also learned that, in addition to strengthening internal security, some churches have hired local security operatives such as the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and the state-owned security firm, So-Safe Corps.
Last week Thursday, Irate Youths staged a protest over the killings with Governor Akeredolu stating that the casualty toll had risen to 40.
Women in Owo town had performed a ‘ritual’ to help security operatives nab the assailants. Reports say the suspects have been arrested and evacuated to Akure.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s National Security Council, on Thursday, revealed that the Islamic State, West African Province, ISWAP, masterminded the deadly attack.