Pope Francis has prayed for the victims of a gunmen attack on a Nigerian church, in Owo, Southwest area of Ondo State, which killed at several worshippers.
The attack occurred in the southern town of Owo, Ondo state with over 50 worshippers killed. Officials have warned that the number of fatalities could rise.
Many worshippers were killed after unknown gunmen invaded St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, in Owo town, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State capital on Sunday.
The attack, which triggered nationwide outrage, reportedly occurred in the church premises while the mass was going on.
The incident occurred less than 200 metres from the palace of the Olowo of Owo and about 3 minutes from a military camp.
Mostly children and women, were killed in the attack, by gunmen, who were said to have thrown an improvised explosive device before they started shooting sporadically.
Videos and Images which emerged online showed children and other victims lying in the pool of their own blood.
It is also pertinent to mention that the attack occurred one day after reports allege that the country’s ruling party APC zoned the Presidency to the Southwest with Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu one of the loudest voices behind the decision.
Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, has condemned the attack calling it “heinous”.
Recall that one week ago, the head of the country’s Methodist church was kidnapped; he was however released after a ransom was paid.
