Abuja, June 6 (BNA) State representatives said that gunmen opened fire on worshipers and detonated explosive devices in a Catholic church in southwestern Nigeria on Sunday, killing dozens.
The attackers targeted St. Francis Catholic Church in Ondo state as worshipers gathered on Pentecost, lawmaker Ogunmuolasuyi Oluwele said. Among the dead, he said, were many children.
Adeligbe Temelin, who represents Owo district in Nigeria’s lower legislature, said the priest was also kidnapped.
“Our hearts are heavy,” Ondo Governor Rotimi Akridolo wrote on Twitter on Sunday. “Our peace and tranquility were attacked by the enemies of the people.”
The authorities did not immediately announce an official death toll. Timmelin said at least 50 people were killed, while others said the number was higher. Videos, apparently from the scene of the attack, showed church worshipers lying in pools of blood as people around them sobbed.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson, “Only demons from the Lower Region could have conceived and carried out such a perfidious act.”
“Whatever happens, this country will never succumb to bad guys and wicked people, and darkness will never overcome the light. Nigeria will win in the end,” Buhari, who was elected after vowing to end Nigeria’s long-running security crisis, said.
In Rome, Pope Francis responded to the news of the attack.
“The Pope learned of the attack on the church in Ondo, Nigeria and the killing of dozens of worshipers, many children, during the celebration of Pentecost. As the details are clarified, Pope Francis prays for the victims and the country, painfully affected at the time of the celebration, entrusting them both to the Lord so that He may send his soul to comfort them,” the pope said in a statement. Issued by the Vatican Press Office.
It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack on the church. While a large part of Nigeria suffers from security issues, Ondo is widely known as one of the most peaceful countries in Nigeria. However, the state has fallen into an escalating violent conflict between farmers and herders.
Nigerian security forces did not immediately respond to questions about how the attack occurred or whether there was any evidence about the suspects. Ou is located about 345 kilometers (215 miles) east of Lagos.
“In the history of Oulu, we have never experienced such a horrific incident,” said Representative Olowole. “That’s too much.”