An attack on St Francis Catholic Church on Owa-luwa Street in Owo town, Owo Local Government Area, Ondo State, is said to have killed more than 40 persons.
According to reports, the event occurred in the chapel less than 200 meters from the Olowo of Owo Palace.
Many persons were brought in dead on Sunday, according to workers at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.
According to reports, the attack happened during the sunday mass.
A viral video on social media showed some attendees of the mass being murdered and laying in a pool of their own blood on the chapel floor.
Over 50 individuals were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where the casualties were taken, according to one of the health personnel on duty.
He said, “They are still bringing people to the hospital, some have been confirmed dead while some are still breathing. But for now i can’t specify the number of those dead.”
A source in the palace revealed that there is tension and panic in the area.
He said, “The church that was attacked was at the back of the palace and we are still wondering how gunmen could carry out such an attack at the centre of the town. This is unbelievable. Kabiyesi will soon issue a statement on the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident, saying the command was yet to ascertain the cause of the incident.
“The CP (Commissioner of Police) is on his way to the scene to ascertain the cause of the incident. We have been hearing so many things about it but i will get back to you.”
