Crusaderhotnews
Monday June 20, 2022
... Over 70 wouded
It was an heavy bloodshed at the popular St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, the Administrative Headquarters of Owo Local Government Area in Ondo State on June 5, as no fewer than 50 worshipers were dastardly killed in a suspected terrorists attack.
This is even over 70 others that included children were seriously wounded as they are currently battling for life at the various hospitals in the state
It was learnt that the suspected terrorists, wearing military outfits and wielding assaulted firearms stormed the church at about 12pm in a commando-like- manners to reck the havoc while Service was ongoing
The assailants reportedly threw explosive devices into the building before opening fire indiscriminately and an attempt made by the worshipers to shut the doors failed as the attackers allegedly shot their victims through the windows.
According to eyewitnesses, many of the casualties occured inside the church building, with one witness stating “people died all around the church, a woman with four children and a man selling confectionary outside the building".
Video footage and photographs circulating on social media following the attack included footage of several victims lying on the floor of the church, and of an elderly woman sitting on the ground outside the church cradling a toddler in a bloodstained white dress.
The reportedly large number of child victims may be due to the fact that the church has a children section after finishing from their Sunday school… so that when the priest is passing, they can give him their ornaments, their rosaries, for him to bless.”
While it was initially reported that the priest in charge of the church had been kidnapped, the Catholic Diocese of Ondo Directorate of Social Communications later clarified that the priests and Bishop of the parish were safe.
The assault on the church reportedly continued for about 20 minutes as gunshots from the havoc could be heard from the nearby Methodist Church. However.
One eyewitness argued that it was “not possible that the police did not hear the gunshots or bangs … Even when we came out and tried to help the injured out of the church, there were no security or emergency services around. People from town were our first responders.”
Describing the attack on the Church as “raw persecution”, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) called on President Muhammadu Buhari to “stop the recycling of … criminals and terrorists in the name of de-radicalising programme,” and to find a lasting solution to “the unending killings in the country.”
CSW’s Founder President Mervyn Thomas said: “This horrific attack marks a significant escalation in terrorist violence in the southern part of the country. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives, and wish the injured and traumatised a swift and full recovery.
"Once again, those charged with ensuring security have failed to respond in a timely manner, providing the latest indicator of an official inability to protect the lives of vulnerable civilians.
"We call on the Nigerian government to ensure that all those responsible for this appalling attack are held to account, and to significantly enhance efforts to combat these increasingly well-armed and co-ordinated non-state actors.”
The attack on the church is the latest event in escalating violence by militia of Fulani origin in southern Nigeria, who are now known to have developed links with terrorist factions. Attacks in 2021 caused thousands of villagers from Yewa in Ogun state to seek shelter in Pobe in neighbouring Republic of Benin, where they remain to this day.
As has already occurred in northwest and central Nigeria, the current violence in the south is exacerbating tensions between indigenous communities and ethnic Fulanis. Following the attack on the church in Owo, human rights lawyer Abdul Aminu Mahmud warned:
“From the valleys of northern Edo to the plains of Ondo - that vast area historically known as Kukuruku - Fulani herdsmen are maiming and killing locals. We must [learn] from the ethnic strifes in Nargono-Karabakh and Rwanda. We must learn. Buhari must pull Nigeria from the brink that his brothers are pushing Nigeria.”
Emphasising the terrorist links, investigative reporter David Hundeyin maintained: “These are actual terror attacks by groups linked to ISIS, Ansaru, Boko Haram etc.
The individuals may or may not be Fulani, but that's beside the point. … There are full-fledged terror cells embedded across southern Nigeria awaiting activation. I'm not spreading fear. …The terrorists are here. It's not "Sambisa Forest" anymore.”
However, it was gathered two of the victims of the Owo attack have dead in the hospital, bringing the total number of deaths to 52 as at the time of filing this report.
Under-listed are names of some of the casualties of the attack:
1. Adenawo Abel
2. Adeseluka Olayinka
3. Adetunji Henry
4. Agunbiade Ayomide
5. Ajah Theresa
6. Alex Micheal
7. Aloma Leonard Chibuike
8. Amunuwa Gloria
9. Arinze Ngbara
10. Asogwa Benjamin
11. Asogwa Jacintha
12. Attah Magaret
13. Attah Victoria
14. Eze Chukwudi
15. Eze Ifunaya Mariam
16. Eze Miracle Kelechi
17. Eze Maryjane
18. Egalona Josephine
19. Irenoa Anthony
20. Idoko Ufoma
21. John Blessing
22. John Glory
23. Nselu Stella
24. Nnakwe Paschaline
25. Njokwu Charity
26. Nweke Daniel
27. Obateru Ayodele Samuel
28. Ogbonna Success
29. Ogungbade Maximillan
30. Ogungbade Vivian
31. Ogohegbunam Theophine
32. Ohika Mary
33. Ojapah Faustina
34. Okafor Micheal
35. Okorie Faith
36. Okoye Stephen
37. Oladele Christiana
38. Oladele Jumoke
39. Olisa Victor
40. Onah Chioma
41. Onileke Ayodele
42. Onileke Benedict
43. Onoja Helen
44. Onuchukwu Happiness
45. Oni Folake
46. Osuji Isaac
47. Ofere Joseph
48. Ojukwu Chinedu
49. Ozurumba Benjamin
50. Mrs Monisade Olayemi Musa
51. Mrs Mary Omoladun Musa
52. Salau Bade
53. Salau Bamidele
54. Tochukwu Chidera
55. Udeh Augustine
56. Udeh Festus
57. Udeh Monica
58. Ugwu Cletus
59. Ugwu Raphael
60. Ugwumadu Frances
61. Ugwumadu Wilfred
62. Uzendu David
63. Uzeadu Maureen
64. Ozochukwu Angela
65. Chuba Elizabeth
66. Sunday Precious
67. Sunday Vincent
68. Umunna Chisom
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