Abuja (Nigeria):
Gunmen opened fire on worshipers at a Catholic church in southwestern Nigeria, killing at least four dozen people. MLA Ogunmolasuyi Oluvole said the attackers targeted St. Francis Catholic Church in Ondo state in the same way that worshipers had gathered on Pentecost Sunday.
He said that many children were also among the dead.
“The priest was also abducted,” said Adelegbe Timilin, who represents the Owo region in Nigeria’s lower house of parliament.
“Our hearts are heavy. “
Authorities did not immediately release an official death toll. Timilin said at least 50 people had been killed, although others put the figure higher. The video, which appears to be from the scene of the attack, shows people in the church soaked in blood, while those around them are crying. According to a statement from his spokesman, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said only low-minded people could imagine and carry out such a heinous act.
Buhari said, “No matter what happens, this country will never bow down to evil people and darkness will never conquer light. Nigeria will eventually win. “
It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack on the church. While most of Nigeria is grappling with security issues, Ondo is widely known as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. However, the state is mired in increasingly violent conflict between farmers and herdsmen.
Nigerian security forces did not immediately respond to a question about how the attack took place or whether there were any clues about the suspects. Ovo is about 345 kilometers (215 miles) east of Lagos. MLA Oluvole said, “In the history of Ovo, we have never experienced such an ugly event. That’s too much. “
]]>
, International, ,