50 worshippers killed as bandits attack Catholic church during service in Ondo

Gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, killing over 50 members of the congregation. 

It was gathered that the gunmen invaded the church during service on Sunday morning, June 5 and opened fire on the congregants. 

According to Nigerian Tribune, no fewer than 50 corpses have been moved out of the church with many casualties lying at the Federal Medical Center, Owo, for medical attention.

A source explained that the congregation were caught unaware, adding that the death toll might rise as some worshippers who were taken to the hospital have reportedly died. 

He added that the gunmen also used some explosives within the compound of the church but said most of the people were hit with gunshots.

The perpetrators were said to have fled the scene immediately they carried out the killing, leaving many people dead.

Graphic photos and videos posted online show some dead bodies soaked with blood in the church. 

A nurse at Owo who spoke to the publication on condition of anonymity said there wasn’t enough medical personnel on ground to attend to the casualties at the emergency unit of the hospital, while some of the casualties had been taken to a private hospital.